2017 Château Haut-Bailly

The 2017 Haut-Bailly is open and focused on the nose with blackberry and briary, crushed stone and light blueberry scents, still primal but very delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, sappy red berry fruit and orange rind. Light spicy notes emerge towards the extended finish. More early drinking than 2016, but not to be underrated. Tasted at the Haut-Bailly vertical at the château.

- Neal Martin (06/2021)

Blackberry, walnut, iodine, and sandalwood aromas follow through to a full body, round and juicy tannins and an intense, flavorful finish. This shows richness with structure. Excellent 2017. Try after 2023. (01/2020)

I continue to believe that the top 2017s from Bordeaux are undervalued in the market: case in point, the 2017 Château Haut-Bailly. This is a gorgeous wine that I think is as good, if not better than the 2000. Stylistically, it's closer in style to the 2014 with its purity, balance, and elegance, yet it brings plenty of fruit and depth. Classic red and black fruit, smoked tobacco, scorched earth, and cedar pencil notes define the aromatics, and it's balanced and has a layered, seamless mouthfeel as well as a great finish. I would be thrilled with a case in the cellar, and it's going to drink well for three decades. (10/2023)

A bold tarry note coils around the core of plum, black currant and blackberry fruit, while licorice root and bramble details check in on the finish. Packed and grippy, this is a touch rustic in profile at this early stage but should unwind easily enough with time, as all the pieces are in place. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2038. 4,166 cases made.

- J.M.

The 2017 Haut-Bailly is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Very deep garnet-purple colored, it has a wonderfully spicy nose of cinnamon stick, cloves, anise and fenugreek with core of roses, warm blueberries, black forest cake and black raspberries plus hints of underbrush and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied with firm, ripe, grainy tannins, it has oodles of freshness and great finesse, continuing bright and energetic on the long, minerally finish.

- Lisa Perrotti-Brown (04/2018)