Château Haut-Bailly 2017

Pourpre violacé. Bouquet intense et complexe aux notes de cassis, de grenadines et de framboises. Touche de poivre et de menthe poivrée. Attaque compacte, vive. Au palais le corps a du muscle et présente une bonne intensité fruitée. Les tannins sont serrés, puissants et se révèlent lentement. Ils ont la matière nécessaire pour tenir tête à la vivacité de la structure. La puissance vient du Cabernet Sauvignon. Un vin très prometteur avec un très bon potentiel de garde. Finale fruitée persistante. 2024–2052

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. Drinking Window 2026 - 2042

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.

Couleur sombre, intense, belle. Nez fin, fruité, pur et mûr. Ample à l’attaque, juteux en milieu de bouche, parfumé, mais toujours un peu discret à cet âge dans son expression, le vin se distingue surtout en finale par une bonne longueur et un grain fin. De la trame. Assemblage : 60 % cabernet sauvignon, 32 % merlot, 4 % cabernet franc, 4 % petit verdot. Le gel a réduit la récolte de 30%.