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 2009 Haut Bailly Bordeaux Blend from the Pessac-Léognan sub-region in Bordeaux, France, stands out as an exemplary offering from the Haut Bailly estate. This red wine, sealed with a cork and containing 13.5% alcohol, has garnered critical acclaim across various prestigious publications.

James Suckling from jamessuckling.com awarded it a high score of 97, praising its aromas of "blackberries, wet earth, and mushrooms" and describing it as a "muscular wine" with a "solid core of fruit" and "velvety and delicious yet wonderfully structured" texture. He suggests trying it in 2018.

Vinous' Neal Martin, who rated it 94, highlights the wine's "blueberries and cassis scents" and "sensual, creamy, velvety texture." He notes its "black fruit and just a hint of liquorice," and suggests it is "drinking perfectly now if you like a bit of hedonism," but recommends leaving it for another four to five years for further aging.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it an even higher score of 97. Lisa Perrotti-Brown raved about its "bold black fruit preserves, Morello cherries, baked blueberries," and "a touch of menthol." She describes the palate as "medium to full-bodied" with a "firm, grainy texture" and a "long and earthy" finish.

Cory Gowan from JJ Buckley rated it 96, calling it a "blockbuster wine" and a "must for fans of ripe rich cabernet-based Bordeaux." He mentions its composition of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, and its aging in 55% new barrels for 16 months. Gowan notes the wine's "incredibly elegant" nature behind its "true power" and "big round and chunky tannins."

Wine Spectator's JM scored the wine 94, describing a "rich, very dense feel" with a "strong graphite frame around the core of roasted fig, plum sauce, and maduro tobacco." The publication suggests it will "stretch out nicely in the cellar," recommending it be consumed from 2017 through 2035.

Wine Enthusiast rated it 95, noting its "smooth and opulent" texture, "generous fruit," and "chocolate wood flavor, fruit tannins, and density." They advise aging it for over 10 years for optimal enjoyment.

Neal Martin's Wine Journal granted it a score of 93, describing it as having a "sweet iodine-scented bouquet" and a "medium-bodied" palate with "fine definition" and "sweet rounded dark cherry and boysenberry fruit."

Jeb Dunnuck from jebdunnuck.com gave it a perfect score of 100, calling it "pure Bordeaux magic" with "sweet red and black fruit, flowery incense, mint, smoked tobacco, and assorted spices." He emphasizes its "velvety tannins" and "magical finish."

Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com awarded it 99, describing it as "elegant, fresh, ripe, rich, soft, polished, refined, long, and deep." He believes it will be best enjoyed from 2025 to 2050.

Decanter and Jane Anson both rated it 98. Decanter noted its "young, concentrated and full of life" nature, with "clear smoked caramel on the nose" and a "silky and seductive" texture. Anson highlighted its "depth and width," with "juicy cassis, bilberry, and damson fruit," and described it as "still so young and vibrant at 13 years old."

Overall, the 2009 Haut Bailly is a highly praised wine with a harmonious blend of fruit, structure, and elegance, promising great aging potential and a rewarding drinking experience for years to come.