2019 Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan

The 2019 Haut-Bailly has a deep garnet-purple color. It slowly emerges from the glass with notes of blackcurrant cordial, plum preserves, and cedar chest, followed by hints of cast-iron pan, dried Provence herbs, and pencil lead. The full-bodied palate has a firm, sturdy frame of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, with an earthy finish. It was a little closed and broody compared to previous tastings, and I expect it will emerge from this phase in 4-6 years, blossoming gloriously. (LPB) 97+

The 2019 Haut-Bailly had just been bottled prior to my visit. This is better than the 2018 with brilliant delineation on the nose and newfound purity. The palate is silky smooth with enormous depth, wonderful concentration and outstanding precision towards the finish with layers of lightly spiced black fruit. This is Fabulous with a capital 'F'. (NM)

This is a wine of profound elegance and complexity from one of Bordeaux's greatest success stories. It slowly reveals aromas of blackcurrant, crushed rock, and subtle floral tones. The palate is exceptionally refined with a seamless texture, incredible density of fruit, and a layered, intricate structure. Silky yet powerful tannins frame a finish that seems to last for minutes. A monumental wine with immense aging potential, it represents the pinnacle of its appellation.

This wine just smells distinguished, like it has a PhD in something esoteric and gives TED talks about something even more esoteric than that. This wine smells like it has leather elbow patches on a tweed jacket and a collection of pipes, mostly carved Meerschaum. There's a dense and really pretty fruit, black and red, with a lot of ripeness and just a little touch of something dried in the very far back. There's a little hint of cigar box as well, and a little something like dried clay in the very far back along with some dried herbs and super well-integrated barrel spices. The palate is a great balance, with a long frontal dose of fruit, then mid-palate savory notes, and finally more fruit and barrel on the long and lingering finish. This has such great length, in part due to the really subtle but deep line of acid running through the whole palate, elevating everything just like a pinch of salt in a cocktail. This is such an outstanding bottle of wine now, I just really can't even imagine how good this will be in another 5-10 years, while this drinks surprisingly well now I would absolutely lay this down if you're able and try a bottle a year for the next decade or so. It's always nice to have a little treat to look forward to.