2012 Haut Bailly

96 POINTS

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

The classic 2012 Haut-Bailly is staggeringly great wine, with a stunning bouquet of lead pencil shavings, blueberries, black raspberries and blackcurrants and perhaps a touch of spring flowers, followed by a medium to full-bodied wine with an almost seamless integration of wood, alcohol and tannin. It is rich, concentrated, stunningly supple, pure and a total hedonistic and intellectual turn-on. This wine defines what is meant by intensity of flavor, but it is light on its feet, à la great cuisine. It should be drinkable reasonably young, but age effortlessly for 25-30 years. One of the great shining superstars of Pessac-Léognan has been the ascent of Haut-Bailly under the ownership of Robert Wilmers, an American, and his winemaking team lead by Véronique Sanders. Readers checking the database of the Wine Advocate will note that the 2009 has been elevated to a perfect score, which is of course not surprising, since it started off with a 98-point rating.

96 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2012 Haut Bailly is quite fragrant and inviting. Dark raspberries, mint, crushed flowers, spices androse petals all lift from the glass in this feminine, gracious Haut-Bailly that offers considerable near andmedium-term appeal. All the elements fall into place in an effortless, stunningly beautiful wine endowedwith personality and class. One of the wines of the vintage, the Haut Bailly will drink well for two decadesplus.This is a superb showing from proprietor Bob Wilmers and his team headed by Véronique Sanders.The decision to lower temperatures in fermentation and go for a soft, gentle extraction, along with strictselection has paid off big time.

94 POINTS

Tim Atkin

As it often does, Haut-Bailly has made one of the leading wines in Pessac-Léognan in 2012, and one that wouldn’t look out of place alongside its 2010. It’s a serious red, built for cellaring, with plenty of concentration, aromatic, floral fruit, tangy acidity and layered, age-worthy tannins. Drink: 2022-35

94 POINTS

Jeannie Cho Lee MW - Asian Palate

Firm tannins with delicate flavours that are a bit shy at the moment. Hint of violets and plums on the nose. It is on the palate that this wine shines - tightly knit, medium weight red with an amazing density combinedwith fresness and finesse. The tannins are ripe and generous and there is good concentration in the midpalate and finish. Always a discrete wine, in this vintage, Haut-Bailly really stands out by combining restraint, intensity and complexity.

94 POINTS

James Suckling

This red shows intense blackberries, raspberries and strawberries on the nose, following through to a full body with refined yet firm tannins, fresh acidity and a delicate finish. The purity of fruit and finesse and texture of the tannins are all fantastic. Drink in 2019.

93 POINTS

Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider

Dark ruby in color, the wine opens with fromboise, licorice, cocoa powder, smoke, and caramel. Produced from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with 40% Merlot, the wine reached 13.2% alcohol with a pH of 3.6. Wine will be aged in 50% new French oak for 16 months. This is a finesse style of Haut Bailly with fresh and ripe red and black fruits that display a lot of purity and freshness. The wine ends with sweet black raspberry and cherry sensations in a forward, spicy finish. 92-94 Pts

93 POINTS

James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

Well-stuffed, with thick and muscular brambly structure that easily supports the core of macerated black currant, fig and boysenberry fruit flavors. A tarry edge coats the finish. More backwards than most of its peers at this early stage, but all the elements are in place. Best from 2018 through 2027. 6,665 cases made. –JM

92 POINTS

Neal Martin - Wine Advocate

The Grand Vin is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, picked between September 27th and October 15th. The nose is comparatively reserved, broody black fruit, wild strawberry and hint of cedar. It is nicely focused, less precocious than recent vintages. The palate is soft and very smooth on the entry. Velvety soft tannins, although it needs just a little more lift on the mid-palate. It is quite linear towards the finish, quite caressing in the mouth with just a little new oak to be absorbed. There is nice grip and persistency here – a classic Haut-Bailly. Tasted April 2013.