A candidate for the -wine of the vintage- the 2008 Haut-Bailly possesses incredible complexity. Tell-tale notes of lead pencil shavings charcoal damp earth black cherries and black currants intermixed with a hint of subtle barbecue smoke are present in this classic quintessential Graves. Medium-bodied with an emerging precocious complexity it is a super-pure beautifully textured long wine that can be drunk now or cellared for 20-25 years. Bravo!

Precision, clarity, tannins are fully present and still towards the front of the mouth. Cassis and blackberry fruits dominante, with waves of bitter chocolate and cocoa bean, this is young and has plenty of time ahead to soften further. Like so often wth Haut-Bailly, its charms are in what is happening under the surface, the layers of subtle flavours and aromatics that steal up on you and keep you engaged. Harvest September 25 to October 23, 60% new oak. Denis Dubourdieu consultant.

Fully mature, yet still pure and layered, with plenty of vibrancy, the 2008 Château Haut-Bailly has quintessential Haut-Bailly sweet darker berries, smoked tobacco, minty herbs, and floral aromas and flavors. These carry over to the palate, where the wine is medium to full-bodied, has firmer, focusing tannins, solid mid-palate depth, and a great finish. This is a more austere, focused style from the estate that has a classic, age-worthy style. It should hold nicely going forward and, I suspect, have another 10-15 years of prime drinking, with a gradual decline thereafter.

Deep ruby in color, the wine is already starting to show secondary characteristics. Spice, tar, tobacco, leather, cedar, red fruits and wet forest notes create the nose. There is ample layers of ripe, fruit. On the palate the wine is full bodied, fresh and classic. The tannins are soft, but present, demanding another 5 years in the cellar for the wine to flesh out and soften from here. The quality is there, but at the moment, the wine is a bit on the strict side. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2008&wine=Chateau%20Haut-Bailly

The 2008 Haut-Bailly, one of the longest harvests on record, has an impressive bouquet with gorgeous blackberry, briary, rose petal and bay leaf aromas. This is very delineated and focused. The palate is well balanced with fine-boned tannins. The acidity lends edginess and tension. The finish is cohesive and harmonious with lightly spiced black fruit, tobacco and clove. This is a lovely, understated but classy 2008. Tasted at the Haut-Bailly vertical at the château. -- Neal Martin

Haut-Bailly has upped the intensity a little in recent years, and although that has rightly won it plaudits, this makes me feel a little nostalgic for the days when it really did go for extremely restrained elegance. It needs time in the glass, as the tannins are still fully tight rather than caressing, and I suggest another year or two before attacking it. Spicy notes unfurl over the palate, with cassis, gentle cedar, and some menthol on the finish. One to really savour. Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/bordeaux/chateau-haut-bailly-pessac-leognan-bordeaux-france-2008-18370#c9bgWMBCTMs7yEJ4.99

Wonderful nose of decadent fruit and chocolate with hints of meat and flowers. Full bodied with well-integrated tannins and a spicy silky and long finish. Tight now but so fine and dense. Give it four to five years of bottle age. So lovely. Best after 2013.