1985 Haut Bailly Bordeaux Blend

Bordeaux Blend - 750ML
Reg: $189.94
$169.94
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REVIEWS

JG 93 WS 91
JG 93

View From The Cellar, May 2020

93+ The decade of the 1980s was a remarkable stretch for Château Haut-Bailly and the 1985 is another outstanding wine from this stunning string of wines. The superb and very perfumed nose offers up an expressive blend of...
WS 91

Wine Spectator, October 1994

This estate produces classy, fine wines and the 1985 is no different. Cherry, tobacco and chocolate aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very firm, with wonderful tannins and a long, voluptuous finish. Drinkable now.--The...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub-region Pessac Leognan
Vintage 1985
Size 750ML

Chateau Haut-Bailly, an esteemed Cru Classé de Graves, lies in a 30 hectare (74 acres) vineyard near the center of the region. On the left bank of the river Garonne, it is positioned on a high sandy ridge mixed with gravel, atop a layer of sandstone and fossil shell remains. This terroir gives Haut Bailly wines distinctive character and refinement.

The property featured vines in 1461 or earlier, and from 1530s one could see a focused wine estate taking shape. That estate changed hands over the centuries and was handed down from generation to generation, each leaving their stamp. Today, Chateau Haut Bailly is owned by Robert G. Wilmers, an American businessman devoted to Bordeaux Grands Crus. His stewardship and investment has brought Haut Bailly to new heights but all in keeping with the estates strong heritage.

The long heritage of Chateau Haut Bailly is represented by 4 hectares of own-rooted, century-old vines. The remainder of the vineyard, on carefully selected rootstock, is Cabernet Sauvignon focused with 34% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot available to create complex, well-rounded wines.

Chateau Haut-Bailly, says Robert Parker Jr., “is a wine of undeniable finesse, elegance and restraint.” Marked by sophistication and supple tannins, historically—like most top-quality Bordeaux—it has been at its finest after some years of bottle age.

However, in recent years, the wines are increasingly attractive in their youth. This does not seem to affect the age-worthiness of the wine. It merely broadens the timespan for enjoyment. Indeed, steady improvements in winemaking and viticulture are raising overall quality to new levels.

The 1985 Haut Bailly Bordeaux Blend is an exquisite example of French viticulture at its finest. Hailing from the prestigious region of Bordeaux, more specifically the sub-region of Pessac Leognan, this wine is a testament to the mastery of wine production by the Haut Bailly vineyard.

The 1985 vintage is truly a time-honoured classic. The wine's captivating hue is a rich, vibrant red, showcasing its maturity and the quality of the grapes used in its creation. The color immediately suggests a wine that is full-bodied, firm, and robust, yet balanced with a certain fine elegance that Bordeaux blends are renowned for.

On the nose, this Haut Bailly reveals a delightful symphony of scents. Cherry, tobacco, and chocolate intertwine in a seductive dance that pulls you in, hinting at the complexity of flavors that this wine offers. The palate follows through on this promise, delivering a voluptuous medley of the same aromas, with a wonderful tannic structure that adds depth and dimension to the tasting experience.

The finish is long, lingering, and utterly satisfying, making the wine not just a beverage, but a complete sensory journey. As per the Wine Spectator's review, this 1985 Bordeaux Blend is indeed ready to be savored now, but also has the potential for further aging. The scoring of 91 points further attests to its outstanding quality.

In essence, the 1985 Haut Bailly Bordeaux Blend is a classy and fine wine, a perfect encapsulation of the best that the Bordeaux region has to offer. It is a wine that speaks volumes of its provenance, vintage, and the expertise of its producer, and is sure to delight any discerning wine lover.