2003 Haut Bailly Bordeaux Blend

Bordeaux Blend - 6L
Reg: $1,364.00
$1,354.00
This product is
out of stock
Most orders placed M-F by 3pm (PT) ship same day.
Orders placed on a weekend or holiday will ship the next business day.
Shipping Info

Free storage available
Wine Storage

REVIEWS

JS 93 JD 93 DC 91 WA 91
JS 93

jamessuckling.com, July 2012

The warm vintage of 2003 gives this loads of fruit, like raspberries and strawberry jam. Full-bodied and very fresh with soft, round tannins. A long and yummy wine. Delicious now but please wait to pull the cork until at...
JD 93

jebdunnuck.com, October 2023

Based on 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, the 2003 Château Haut-Bailly is shockingly fresh and lively, and I certainly wouldn't have guessed the vintage. Sweet red and black fruits, minty...
DC 91

Decanter, April 2018

(91 points) Charming and elegant, the rich blueberry fruit has good density, even if its not particularly generous. The tannins close the fruit down but have life and definition in them, and this will soften and open...
WA 91

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, August 2014

I remember being worried about how well the 2003 Haut-Bailly would turn out, but it has aged beautifully. Made from a final blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, it currently offers fresh...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub-region Pessac Leognan
Vintage 2003
Size 6L
Percent alcohol 12.5%
Closure Cork

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 2003 Haut Bailly from Bordeaux, France is a remarkable red wine that embodies the essence of its prestigious region. With a deep red color and a cork closure, this wine exudes elegance and sophistication right from the start.

On the nose, the 2003 Haut Bailly reveals a plethora of enticing aromas. Raspberries and strawberry jam dominate, creating a luscious and fruity bouquet that is sure to captivate the senses. As the wine opens up, notes of fresh tobacco leaf, red and black currants, and hints of burning embers and charcoal emerge, adding complexity and depth to the aromatic profile.

The warm vintage of 2003 has endowed this wine with an abundance of fruit, resulting in a full-bodied and very fresh palate. Soft, round tannins provide a velvety texture, enhancing the overall smoothness of the wine. The flavors mirror the aromas, with rich currant, raspberry, and tobacco notes taking center stage. Toasty oak undertones add a touch of spice and complexity to the palate.

Critics have lauded the 2003 Haut Bailly for its exceptional quality. James Suckling, a renowned wine expert, scored it 93 points, describing it as a "long and yummy wine" that is delicious now but recommends waiting until at least 2013 to fully enjoy its potential. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a score of 91 points, praising its maturity and fullness after aging for eleven years. Vinous awarded it 90 points, highlighting its impressive concentration and exuberance. Decanter also scored it 91 points, noting its charm, elegance, and potential for further development.

Overall, the 2003 Haut Bailly is a wine of tremendous character and finesse. It is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the esteemed Haut Bailly winery. This wine is perfect for those seeking a truly exceptional Bordeaux blend that embodies the essence of the Pessac Leognan region. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, the 2003 Haut Bailly is a true gem that is sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseurs.