2019 Haut-Bailly II (Pessac-Leognan)

The 2019 Haut-Bailly II, the second wine of Haut-Bailly, has accentuated the sous-bois elements on the nose since bottling, now feeling quintessentially Pessac-Léognan and quite marine-influenced in style. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, taut and fresh, still a little piquant on the finish but with more precision than I recall. This is very impressive. Excellent. 93 points

Chewy depth to the tannins, buoyed up by juice rippling through the red berry fruits. Gourmet and silky, a creamy texture through the mid palate with hints of subtle caramel and baked earth. Excellent. 92 points

Composed of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 60% Merlot, the 2019 Haut-Bailly II was harvested from the 23rd of September to the 10th of October. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is already wonderfully forward and harmonious, featuring bright black cherries, blackberry preserves and wild blueberries scents plus suggestions of lavender, tilled soil and unsmoked cigars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid foundation of chewy tannins and oodles of freshness backing up the muscular, mouth-coating black and blue fruits, finishing fruity. 88-90 points

Ripe and pure on the nose. Dark-fruit notes, the cassis more obvious as it opens. Medium bodied with a touch of sweetness on attack then crunchy fruit on the mid palate. Slight savoury edge then minerally and dry on the finish, the Graves imprint present. 16.5 points