2012 Chateau Haut Bailly, Pessac-Leognan

The Grand Vin is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, picked between September 27th and October 15th. The nose is comparatively reserved, broody black fruit, wild strawberry and hint of cedar. It is nicely focused, less precocious than recent vintages. The palate is soft and very smooth on the entry. Velvety soft tannins, although it needs just a little more lift on the mid-palate. It is quite linear towards the finish, quite caressing in the mouth with just a little new oak to be absorbed. There is nice grip and persistency here – a classic Haut-Bailly. Tasted April 2013.