2012 Haut Bailly II
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Tasting notes
The 2012 La Parde de Haut-Bailly is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. It has quite a polished and generous bouquet, perhaps without the complexity of its 2010 counterpart, although it does open up nicely with hints of blood orange (possibly from the Merlot) emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft and silky entry, fleshier than the 2010, with commendable depth, mainly black fruit with a seam of pencil lead toward the fresh and vibrant finish. This is another excellent Deuxième Vin from the estate. Tasted March 2017.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
NB ‘de’ disappeared from the name from 2011 and it now says ‘Grand Vin de Bordeaux’ on the label. 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc. Very bright crimson. Lovely pure Cabernet nose that actually smells a bit more like Cabernet Franc than Cabernet Sauvignon. Lovely roundness and freshness. Great balance. Approachable. (JR)
Lavender, crushed flowers, red berries, mint and sweet spices lift from the glass in the 2012 La Parde de Haut-Bailly. The tannins need air to soften, but there is plenty to like in this decidedly mid-weight, gracious second wine from Haut-Bailly. The blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, which is a bit less Merlot than the norm.
About the producer
Quality at this château, now one of Pessac-Léognan’s leading wine estates, has risen exponentially under the reign of Véronique Sanders, with the property known for crafting wines of elegance and poise.