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 2023 Haut-Bailly is a Bordeaux Blend from the Pessac Leognan sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine, produced by Haut Bailly, is composed of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. The wine is sealed with a cork closure and is aged in 50% new oak for approximately 14-15 months, with an additional three months in vats.

Several reviewers have praised this vintage for its purity, elegance, and complexity. James Suckling awarded it an impressive 98 points, highlighting its "purity of fruit" with notes of "blackcurrants, cassis, and lead pencil." He described the palate as "dense, focused, and precise," with "very fine tannins" and an "underlying character of mineral and flint" (jamessuckling.com).

Vinous' Neal Martin also gave the wine a high score of 98 points, noting its "beguiling bouquet" of "blackberry mixed with wild strawberry, cedar, and light sous-bois." He emphasized the wine's "fine-grained tannins" and "grip and persistency on the finish," calling it "one of the standout wines in Pessac-Léognan, perhaps in Bordeaux itself" (Vinous).

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, represented by Yohan Castaing, rated the wine 96 points, describing it as "concentrated and rich," with a "darker, more brooding profile" compared to previous years. The review mentioned aromas of "mulberries, cassis, dark wild berries, pencil lead, licorice, and spices" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).

Jane Anson, who scored the wine 97 points, described it as having an "inky plum color" and "high floral aromatics." She noted its "fine plentiful tannins" and "hidden depths," suggesting that it is a wine that will be a pleasure to drink in the years to come (janeanson.com).

Jeff Leve gave it 98 points, praising its "vibrancy paired with elegant, firm tannins" and "length that is impossible to ignore." He noted the "flowers, cedar, spice, and tobacco" aromas, along with "black raspberries, blackberries, and smoke" (TheWineCellarInsider.com).

Jeb Dunnuck also rated it 97 points, highlighting its "incredible sense of purity and elegance," with "perfumed redcurrants, darker berries, dried herbs, flowers, and tobacco." He described the wine as having "beautiful tannins" and a "seamless, layered mouthfeel" (jebdunnuck.com).

Lisa Perrotti-Brown from The Wine Independent gave the wine 98 points, noting its "deep garnet-purple color" and "showy scents of boysenberry preserves, stewed plums, and fruit cake." She praised its "rich and seductively plush" palate with layers of "black fruits and exotic spices" (The Wine Independent).

Decanter magazine rated the wine 96 points, appreciating its "pretty aromatics" and "soft and smooth" texture. The review mentioned its "juicy and plump" character and "fine tannins with slightly sharp edges" (Decanter).

Finally, Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss gave it a barrel sample score of 96 points, describing it as "very aromatic and precise," with "ripe fruits and density balanced by freshness and acidity." He highlighted its "creamy tannins" and "succulent black fruit flavors" (Wine Enthusiast).

Overall, the 2023 Haut-Bailly is a highly acclaimed wine, praised for its purity, elegance, and complexity, making it a standout choice among Bordeaux blends.