Château Haut-Bailly 2018

Wineadvocate

The 2018 Haut-Bailly is blended of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, and it has 14.4% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a little coaxing to unlock a powerhouse of black fruit preserves, offering notes of blackberry pie, crème de cassis and black cherry compote, giving way to nuances of Chinese five spice, camphor, chocolate box and licorice with a touch of crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with plush textured, rich black fruits, supported by a lively backbone and finishing long and spicy. It is decadently tempting to drink now, but give it 5 years in bottle to begin to see its full glory, while it should continue to transform for a further 20 years or more in cellar. LP-B March 2021

Vinous

After one bottle broke in transit, Véronique Sanders dispatched a replacement toute de suite. The 2018 Haut-Bailly retains its almost sumptuous bouquet of black cherries, boysenberry and huge bunches of freshly picked violets. The medium-bodied palate presents layers of black fruit laced with white pepper and iodine. This Haut-Bailly is very supple, the tannins very fine, and during its barrel aging, it has gained decidedly more grip on the finish. Whereas on day one it exhibits hedonism, returning on day two, it coheres marvelously and attains far more complexity and sense of grandeur on the finish. A sophisticated Haut-Bailly that should not be underestimated. NM March 2021

Beck

Outre les travaux habituels à la vigne, le millésime 2018 a donné beaucoup de fil à retordre aux équipes quand il s’agissait de se battre contre les attaques de mildiou. Le vin, une fois en bouteille, ne révèle guère le combat acharné des équipes, tout domaine confondu, pour assister la vigne dans ces moments difficiles. Le bouquet du 2018 révèle surtout de la finesse, peut-être un peu de fragilité, mais ça c’est parce que je sais que c’est 2018. Invitantes notes de fèves de cacao, de cassis et de poivre noir. Tout va bien pour l’instant, donc. En bouche le vin relate bien la finesse annoncée par le bouquet. Il est élégant, harmonieux et soutenu par des tannins aux grains fins qui disposent de bonnes ressources. Je pense qu’il est dans une phase “stand-by”. Il démontre clairement qu’il a du potentiel et qu’il a de quoi répondre aux attentes des nombreux amateurs de Haut-Bailly, mais il a également un message très pertinent : attendez-moi, la patience est une grande vertu ! 2026-2050 - 04/2023

Suckling

10 Jan, 2021 – Complex and expressive nose, offering red and dark fruit, spices and pepper with wood and mushroom undertones. Fresh mussel shell and a hint of ink, too. Full-bodied with a fine texture and great balance between the acidity and the controlled, tannic structure. Very long finish. Goes on and on. Tiny production, 21 hectoliters per hectare. Try after 2025.

Dunnuck

A wine that's going to flirt with perfection, the 2018 Château Haut-Bailly is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 5% Each of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, brought up in 60% new French oak. Hitting 14.5% alcohol, its deep purple color is followed by a fabulous bouquet of pure crème de cassis, crushed violets, white flowers, graphite, and damp earth. An incredibly powerful, opulent wine, it nevertheless has sensational purity as well as the freshness and elegance that's the hallmark of this terrific estate. It will drink well in just a few years yet keep for 20-25 years or more.