Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Graves |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
The medium garnet-purple colored 2016 La Parde de Haut-Bailly comes bursting out of the glass with cassis, redcurrant jelly, fragrant earth and dried Provence herbs scents plus a waft of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, firm, grainy textured and packed with fruit, it delivers a long and mineral-laced finish. Drink 2020-2031.
The 2016 La Parde de Haut-Bailly, matured in 30% new oak, has a strict, pencil-lead-infused bouquet that demands a little coaxing from the glass. I appreciate the delineation of this second wine, which is quite focused, with a light marine aroma. The medium-bodied palate exerts gentle grip. Finely structured with just a touch of cracked black pepper, this builds in the mouth to quite a linear, grippy finish that suggests that it will last longer than many might afford it. Excellent. Drink 2021-2032
As to the second wine of Château Haut Bailly, it too is fabulous stuff in 2016. A blend of 47% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Cabernet Franc, the 2016 La Parde Haut Bailly offers notable purity as well as medium to full-bodied notes of blackcurrants, dried herbs, flowers, and spice. It’s a layered, seamless wine from this estate that has no hard edges, beautiful balance, and a great finish. It’s already delivering loads of pleasure but will keep for 15+ years.
The 2016 La Parde de Haut-Bailly is a blend of 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc, picked between 26 September and 18 October. It has a typical bouquet for the vintage with black fruit, smoke and a touch of bay leaf, a little reserved at first but opening with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin on the entry. The Merlot imparts a lot of vigor into this Deuxième Vin, which is a feisty little number with great tension on the finish, cedarwood and tobacco lingering on the aftertaste. This comes recommended.