2017 Chateau Haut-Bailly

96 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

94–96. Barrel Sample. Bold and dense, this wine is packed with tannins, ripe berry flavors and intense black fruit notes. Impressive, it is showing richness now and a fine future. Rich tannins and a firm dry core will allow the wine to age well.

95 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

A dry wine firm with dark tannins, this is destined for long aging. Concentration and a solid structure are balanced by the dusty texture and dry core. It will take a while for the potential of the juicy black fruits to come through, so this wine needs to wait until 2024.

95 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter

This reminds me of 2001 more than most wines I've tasted, and perhaps it's no surprise that a vintage that required a skilful touch and a belief in the power of elegance should do well at Haut-Bailly. It's hugely pure and restrained, with great aromatics and extremely well placed bilberry, cassis and mulberry fruits. The tannins are fine and poised, set against cigar box with touches of charcoal and slate. They build through the palate, but remain slightly austere on the finish, with a bounce to them that suggests they are going to age beautifully. They kept the vineyard team for three weeks in July, because the vines kept throwing out green shoots after the June rains. Harvested 13-29 September, the vines were around two weeks ahead all the way through the season. The yield was 28hl/ha overall, but only 2hl/ha on the frosted parts, compared to 40hl/ha for the unaffected areas, 50% of production going into the grand vin. Malo was finished by the end of November, but the vats are still separated and there will be final blend in May 2018 (which is what they always do). 4% of Cabernet Franc finishes the blend given below.

95 POINTS

James Suckling

Blackberry, walnut, iodine, and sandalwood aromas follow through to a full body, round and juicy tannins and an intense, flavorful finish. This shows richness with structure. Excellent 2017. Try after 2023.

94 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle ochre brightening on the rim. Sweet wild berries, a touch of ripe plum, floral hints and background notes of nougat. Medium complexity, red cherries, fresh acidity, subtle minerality, lively, and already very approachable. This wine should not be underestimated because of its approachable nature, this vintage offers an excellent food companion, for which you just don't have to wait so long to enjoy. (Drink, store +25)

94 POINTS

James Suckling

A firm and silky red with a medium to full body, a solid center palate and a long and integrated finish. Very fine, polished and refined. Creamy tannins. Hints of bitter orange. Points: 94-95

93 POINTS

Wine Spectator

A bold tarry note coils around the core of plum, black currant and blackberry fruit, while licorice root and bramble details check in on the finish. Packed and grippy, this is a touch rustic in profile at this early stage but should unwind easily enough with time, as all the pieces are in place. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

93 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Dark ruby, purple reflections, discreet brightening at the rim, delicate sweet cherry, fruits of the forest, subtle fine oak spice, still very restrained, floral notes, some liquorice in the background. Juicy, highly elegant, fine acidity, fine, well-integrated tannins, pleasant fruit sweetness, salty minerality, persistent, will develop and improved, definite ageing potential.