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 2021 Haut-Bailly Bordeaux Blend is a red wine from the Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Haut-Bailly, this vintage features a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Notably, it represents the highest percentage of Petit Verdot in the estate's history.

The wine has garnered high praise from several esteemed reviewers. Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss awarded it an impressive 97 points, highlighting its "very aromatic, precise" character and noting the balance of ripe fruits, density, freshness, and acidity. Voss describes it as having "creamy tannins" that complement the "succulent black fruit flavors."

Jane Anson of janeanson.com gave the wine 96 points, emphasizing its ability to excel in a cool vintage. She commends its "knitted down, subdued, reserved feel" with notes of blueberry, loganberry, cassis, slate, and gunsmoke. Anson also points out the small yield of 19 hectoliters per hectare and mentions the new cellar used for this vintage.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate's Yohan Castaing rated the wine 94 points, describing it as "a lively, rather muscular wine with a fleshy, dense core," and predicting it will age gracefully over the next decade. He notes a "brooding bouquet" with aromas of blackcurrant, spices, plums, spring flowers, and smoke.

Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com awarded 95 points, appreciating its "exotic, sensuous, elegant quality." He describes its dark garnet color and complex aroma profile, including smoky black cherries, blackberries, cocoa, cigar box, flowers, and black plums. Leve recommends allowing the wine a few years in the cellar for optimal enjoyment.

Jeb Dunnuck gave the wine 93 points, calling it "a beautiful, elegant wine" with a "charming, supple, seamless profile." He highlights flavors of red and black currants, smoke, tobacco, spice, and subtle flower nuances.

James Suckling awarded it 96 points, noting its "graphite and crushed-stone character" with redcurrants and pine needles. He praises its "pretty balance and elegance."

Antonio Galloni of Vinous also rated it 96 points, describing the wine as "incredibly poised" with a vertical build that speaks of sophistication. He mentions hints of dried herbs, menthol, licorice, pine, blackberry, and underbrush.

Finally, Decanter's review, which awarded the wine 95 points, describes it as "seductive" with blackcurrant, juniper, and purple floral touches. They note its smooth texture and high acidity, balanced by savory and mineral touches, delivering a sense of classicism and refinement.

In summary, the 2021 Haut-Bailly is a highly-regarded Bordeaux blend characterized by its complex flavors, balanced structure, and potential for aging, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection.