A leap in terms of colour and fruit character in the vertical to date, plumper and more primary in appearance, focused cassis and bilberry, with cold ash and mint leaf. A cooler-than-average vintage, and one that highlights the judgement always displayed at this estate, balanced and utterly moreish, waiting to be dived into and shared with friends. Harvest September 20 to October 15. First vintage of Gabriel Vialard as technical director, working alongside CEO Veronique Sanders and consultant Denis Dubourdieu. 50% new oak.

The 2002 Château Haut-Bailly is actually more concentrated than the 2001 but is largely in the same elegant, medium-bodied style. Ripe red and black fruits, roasted herbs, chocolate, and tobacco all emerge on the nose, and it has solid mid-palate depth, a firm, foursquare mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It will evolve for another decade.

An elegant, dark ruby/purple-tinged effort displaying notes of tobacco smoke intermixed with sweet currant, cherry, and some toast, this medium-bodied wine has the hallmark purity married graciously with nicely concentrated fruit. The tannins are sweet but present and give definition to this well-made Pessac-Leognan. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016.- RP