2015 Chateau Haut-Bailly

Based in Pessac-Leognan on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Bailly has 30 hectares under vine planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. As it is only recently that the wines have truly excelled, with knock out wines in 2005/2009/2010 & 2015, they are one of the best values in Bordeaux, but also one of the hardest to find.

Other Reviews…..
Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Haut-Bailly offers up a tantalizingly savory nose of smoked meats, chargrill, tapenade, unsmoked cigars and black truffles with a core of black currants, black cherries and wild blueberries plus wafts of iron ore and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied, very firm and yet wonderfully plush with a powerful core of fruit—this vintage is truly an iron fist in a velvet glove. The finish goes on and on with persistent earthy/minerally notes and savory/sweet fruit. Although it is tempting and indeed delicious right now, the wine still possesses many restrained layers and should handsomely reward the patient. Drink 2024-2050.
97+ Points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (Feb 2019)

The 2015 Haut Bailly was first tasted at the Farr Vintners tasting, although I felt that this bottle did not show as well. Another at the Vinous Icons event in New York is more representative. Vibrant red berry fruit intermixes with blueberry and cassis on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and retains a bit of puppy fat. Rich for the vintage, yet very well balanced, it delivers lovely black truffle and tobacco notes on the finish. This is very fine, but it needs further age in bottle. Drink 2028-2048.
95 Points
Neal Martin - Vinous (Feb 2025)

This is an incredible young red with precision and focus that is second to almost none. Full body with a ultra-fine tannin drive that is seamless as it is endless. It ends with such power. Try in 2024 but already impressive to taste.
98 Points
James Suckling (Jan 2018)

Reminding me of the 2009, the 2015 Château Haut-Bailly has a riper, sunny, sexy style that nevertheless stays nicely grounded and elegant, with ample classic Haut-Bailly character. Sweet crème de cassis, smoked tobacco, loads of spicy, loamy earth, and cedar pencil, full-bodied richness, ripe, velvety tannins, and flawless balance all characterize this incredible wine. It actually already offers pleasure today given its texture, balance, and purity, but it’s going to evolve for 30+ years. Drink 2023-2054.
98 points
Jeb Dunnuck (Oct 2023)

The aromatic complexity of this wine strikes you from the very first moment - this has got to be one of the greatest Haut Baillys I have ever tasted. The 2015 has a touch of Petit Verdot for the first time (not including the mixed fruit from the century-old grapevines that Haut Bailly always uses), from three year old vines. This has a balance and grip that lifts from underneath the fruit, with incredibly precise tannins. Slate, pencil lead and curls of tobacco lead the persistent waves of flavour coming at you, expressing a lightness than deceives you until you feel the layers begin to deftly build up over the course of the tasting. This is utterly delicious, showing all the complexity that you expect from a great wine, together with the supreme confidence that they don't need to trick you with a push of oak (they use 50% new barrels). Drink 2023-2040.
98 points
Jane Anson - Decanter (Dec 2017)