| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Graves |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 2010 La Parde de Haut-Bailly is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. I prefer the nose on the 2010 compared to the 2005 since it conveys more detail and precision: blackberry, raspberry, cedar with just a touch of fresh fig lending more personality than the 2005. The palate is medium-bodied with a grainy textured entry. There is a strong graphite element to this La Parde de Haut-Bailly, the acidity well judged with a gentle grip in the mouth, mainly black fruit with an intense finish. I admire the persistence of this Deuxième Vin and the unbridled freshness. Given the price, I bet this is one of the killer purchases if you can find some. Tasted March 2017.
As for their second wine, the 2010 La Parde de Haut-Bailly is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. Attractive, soft and round with notes of berry fruit and some underlying smoke, forest floor and underbrush, it is generously endowed but at the same time elegant and silky smooth. It is best drunk in its first 10-15 years of life.
This quintessential example of pure finesse, elegance, harmony and delicacy is combined into a wine that lingers intensely with near-perfect poise and character. Haut-Bailly's ethereal character is virtually unmatched in Bordeaux. Normally, winemaker/winemaker Veronique Sanders fashions a blend that approximates 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. That was the exact blend of her 2009, and I doubt the 2010 deviates significantly from that.
Shows good structure, with a graphite edge running from start to finish. This is accessible now, featuring pure cassis, boysenberry and blackberry fruit, displaying lovely flickers of spice and ember on the finish. Drink now through 2022.
This contains two batches of Merlot that reached 16% alcohol! It is a blend of 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, this has a very ripe Merlot-dominated bouquet with dark cherries, a touch of date and a hint of liquorice, although I would like a little more delineation. The palate is very powerful but soft in texture. It does not quite have the delineation and harmony, with just a little dryness on the finish. Too heady for me, but others may get a kick out of it. Tasted March 2011.
