Vintage 2017: The wonder of nature

After a harsh winter and a mild spring, the 2017 vintage began early with bud break on March 25th. During the nights of the 27th and 28th of April there were frosts of an intensity rarely seen in Bordeaux. This frost caused damage to our lower plots but spared our parcels of old vines. And then nature took its course, with a warm spring favouring fast growth in the vineyard, further emphasising the early nature of the vintage.

Flowering (which took place from the 20th-25th May) was two weeks ahead of usual. As for the plots affected by the frost, vegetative growth was truly remarkable. The base of the vines showed intense growth, which had the effect of limiting the production of fruit and second-generation clusters. Exceptional rainfall in late June (120 mm in three days) reduced any risk of hydric stress. However, the weather conditions of July and August, with limited rainfall, meant that overall, 2017 will be recorded as one of our driest vintages–along with 2000, 2005 and 2012. During the summer, the alternation of hot and cool days gave us favourable conditions for ripening. Veraison began early (at the end of July) and was particularly regular throughout the vineyard. The earliness of the vintage is confirmed and the harvest begins on 13 September with the Merlot and ends with the Cabernet Sauvignon, from 25 to 29 September.

The Merlots of 2017 are both fruity and balanced. Cabernets offer a pleasant aromatic freshness and savoury tannic structure with good density. The overall yield of the vintage is quite low. The 2017 blend of Château Haut-Bailly is particularly floral and is composed of those parcels spared by Mother Nature–the plots of old vines which make up the historic heart of the vineyard.

Harvest: September 13^th - 29^th
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon - 32% Merlot - 4% Petit Verdot - 4% Cabernet Franc
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon - 65% Merlot

Vintage 2016: Le Bonheur

The 2016 growing season was marked by extremes, records and luck. Torrential rain in winter and spring was followed by tremendously dry, sunny summer and autumn. In June, a wonderful window of opportunity opened up, wide enough to enable flowering to take place quickly and evenly. July and August will be remembered for high temperatures and extreme drought.

Conditions at the height of summer were ideal for ripening. The temperature range set new records. Cool nights locked in fresh fruit aromas and were conducive to the synthesis of anthocyanins. Despite drought conditions, water stress was only moderate. Vines in all plots, including the estate’s great gravel terroirs, took advantage of deep rooting enhanced by working the soil. The vines were thus able to seek nourishment from a water table filled to the brim by spring showers.

Our doubts gradually gave way to joy. The beautiful, warm, sunny weather continued into September and October. Outstanding weather enabled perfectly ripe grapes and a serene harvest. The wines are deeply-coloured, with round tannin and high phenolic content. 2016 is fruity, concentrated, powerful, and elegant. Great years always come in pairs...

Harvest: September 26^th - October 18^th
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 53% Cabernet Sauvignon - 40% Merlot - 4% Petit Verdot - 3% Cabernet Franc
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 47% Cabernet Sauvignon - 47% Merlot - 6% Cabernet Franc

Vintage 2015: Plenitude

2015 ensured peace and serenity to all winegrowers.

Spring was wonderful and the budbreak, quick and even, was the first factor in the vintage’s overall regularity. The weather was warm and dry, with ideal conditions during the crucial phases of flowering and fruit set. June and July were marked by intense heat and the total absence of rain. Drought set in and caused moderate water stress that called a halt to vegetative growth. Providential showers in late July brought on quick véraison (colour change).

The vines were manicured and healthy looking from August until the end of the harvest with a magnificent leaf canopy and well-distributed bunches of deeply-coloured grapes. Cool weather in August helped preserve the aromatic potential of the grapes. The harvest looked fantastic. Picking took place on 9 days and 6 half days. The consistency of the quality in every plot is the hallmark of a truly fine vintage. The Merlots have structure, fruit, colour and concentration. The Cabernets are powerful and racy, with the smoothness they are known for in great vintages.

The outstanding weather in 2015 resulted in fruity, deeply-coloured wines with great balance and excellent structure. Made from perfectly ripe fruit, they show harmony and a remarkable underlying softness.

Harvest: September 15^th - October 8^th
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon - 36% Merlot - 4% Petit Verdot
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 30% Cabernet Sauvignon - 60% Merlot - 10% Cabernet Franc

Vintage 2014: Vibrant

2014 was the stage for hope, concern, and a great relief!

Winter was wet and mild. The vines awoke to the new growing season mid-March and developed quickly thanks to a beautiful month of April. The abrupt arrival of cool weather in late May slowed the early vintage. Flowering took place under good conditions for the Cabernets, but Merlots were affected by coulure and millerandage. Growth continued, but at a slower rhythm in July and August. The vineyard team worked hard to keep the vines clean and healthy, allowing them to channel their vigour into the fruit. The berries grew in size, but ripened very slowly. Fortunately, after the vegetative growth halted at the end of August, true summer weather arrived in September (the warmest since 1921 and 1961) and saved the vintage. The grapes decreased in size, became more concentrated, and still had a full month to ripen.

The harvest began, in no great rush, on the morning of September 24^th. The « grands Merlots », the organic plots, and the wonderful gravelly hilltop, home to our old vines were picked starting on the 30^th.

Perfect weather – dry and radiant – meant that the harvest could take place over a 22-day period (with 12 days of picking). The wines featured beautiful aromas as well as a velvety texture and fresh fruit. 2014: a vibrant vintage of great style.

Harvest: September 24^th - October 15^th
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon - 34% Merlot
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 30% Cabernet Sauvignon - 56% Merlot - 14% Cabernet Franc

Vintage 2013 : A Miracle

The winter, like the spring of 2013, was characterized by rain and a lack of sunshine. The water table could re-establish itself, but the growth cycle started late and slowly. In June, both Merlots and Cabernets flowered simultaneously. But important rainfall made it complicated and generated coulure and millerandage.

July and August were hot and dry, resulting in small grapes. September, with its mild temperatures, left us waiting for the late harvest. At the end of the month, a wave of low pressure coming in from the Atlantic brought warm, wet weather... as well as a botrytis threat. Our quick reactions and flexibility along with sorting and selection were crucial to ensure that only ripe, concentrated fruit went into the cellar.

A slow and gentle vinification was carried out at 25°C, preserving fresh fruit flavours and extracting soft yet elegant tannins. A number of elements, including the losses in spring, small grapes and meticulous sorting explain the low yields. Very nice batches combining fruit and elegance have resulted in the creation of a wine that lives up to Haut-Bailly’s standards of quality.

The 2013 vintage, full of finesse, is both lively and supple, retaining freshness and a harmonious structure. Its relative scarcity will not be its only distinguishing quality.

Harvest: October 1^st - 10^th
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon - 34% Merlot - 2% Cabernet Franc
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon - 46% Merlot - 2% Cabernet Franc

Vintage 2012: Virtuoso

Following a cold dry winter, a cool, wet spring made the flowering process difficult and threatened some of the Merlot vines with coulure. Then, as cool temperatures persisted until the beginning of July, we kept an extra careful eye on the vineyard and combated the onset of diseases (mildiou, oïdium). The team remained on hand throughout the summer. The month of August took advantage of wide temperature ranges with hot days – as sunny as in 2000 or 2009 – and cool nights. All encouraging the synthesis of anthocyanin. Traditional tilling of the soil allowed better management of water stress. Finally, at the end of a summer-like month of September, a few millimetres of rain on September 25^th and 26^th helped to re-kindle the ripening of the grapes, which led to the sublimation of the fruity character of the skins and the smoothness of the tannins.

The harvest started when the phonological maturity (tannins) caught up with the technical maturity (sugar, acidity). The Merlots were picked in ideal conditions. The weekend of October 7^th was particularly hot and wet, causing us to quicken the pace and pick the Cabernets before the return of the rain. The Merlots were pleasant and full of charm. The Old Vines delivered splendid Cabernets, typical of the great terroir of Haut-Bailly.

Fruity, fresh and dense, the 2012 vintage has tight tannins and expresses the virtuosity of Haut-Bailly.

Harvest: September 27^th - October 15^th
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon - 40% Merlot
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon - 40% Merlot - 4% Cabernet Franc

Vintage 2011: Stamped with the Seal of its Terroir

Following a very wet autumn, the winter of 2010 and spring 2011 were marked by drought. In Europe, spring 2011 was the hottest and driest in 50 years, with only 78 mm of rain falling between March and June. The drought triggered early flowering and fruit formation in May. There was a heat wave on the 26^th and 27^th of June. Fortunately, this unusually warm spring was balanced by a cool and rather wet summer, which allowed the physiological development of the wines to start again. Finally, an Indian summer in September guaranteed a perfectly ripe harvest. By the beginning of September, thanks to a certain amount of thinning out, enabling the air to circulate around the bunches, the grapes were perfectly ripe and healthy with dense aromas and excellent structure.

The harvest started on September 9^th with the young Merlot plots. It lasted three weeks under dry and sunny weather. Rather low yields of Cabernets Sauvignons were balanced by a more generous production of Merlots. The alcoholic fermentation was kept at 26°C in order to protect the fruit from too much extraction.

2011 is a great tribute to the Haut-Bailly terroir, expressed fully through the characteristics of this vintage. A classic nose of soft fresh fruits supported by a strong yet fine tannic structure; this is a wine of real precision, stamped with the seal of Haut-Bailly.

Harvest: September 9^th - 29^th
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon - 47% Merlot - 3% Cabernet Franc
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon - 65% Merlot

Vintage 2010: Excellence

To do better than in 2009 was a challenge! But owing to the auspicious climatic conditions that prevailed throughout the growing period and the sustainable cultivation and winemaking methods used at Haut-Bailly, the byword for the 2010 vintage is excellence. The 2010 has a different style but it is just as remarkable as the 2009. July was consistently hot and sunny inducing early water stress, stopping plant growth which is propitious for the development of small grapes - a promise of quality and concentration. 

The contrasting cool nights helped to protect the fruit and promote anthocyanin and aroma synthesis. Harvesting began on 22 September with the young Merlot vines, followed by the Cabernets from 5 to 14 October. As a result of the water deficit, the grapes were extremely small producing a higher phenolic content than in 2009. A good balance was achieved through careful and precise winemaking: gentle extraction with a controlled fermentation temperature (around 26°C) to limit the effects of the high alcohol content. 

The vintage is powerful with very long ageing potential; it has a condensed complex structure sustained by a dazzling freshness, ideal concentration combined with superb maturity. 2010 has already earned its place among the greatest Bordeaux. 

Harvest: September 22^th - 30^th   
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon - 36% Merlot - 2% Cabernet Franc
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon - 40% Merlot - 20% Cabernet Franc

Vintage 2009: Mythic !

Luckily, all the elements were present for 2009 to be an unforgettable vintage. The growth cycle of the vines and the ripening of the grapes took place in particularly favourable weather conditions, assisted by meticulous work in the vineyard.

The rather dry and cold winter delayed budburst by a fortnight, the Merlot and Cabernet flowered at the same time, around May 30^th. The great weather conditions in the summer were perfect for the ripening of the grapes and continued through to September, during which warm days were generally followed by cool nights. These conditions particularly favoured the concentration of flavours and the accumulation of pigments. The grapes were sweet, richly coloured, and fruity, in proportions similar to the greatest vintages.

Harvesting began on September 15^th with the Merlots in the mornings, to avoid the afternoon heat and went on late into the season. The Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs were picked between October 7^th – 14^th.

The wines’ structure is characterized by a succulent texture and a very pure expression of ripe fruit resulting, in particular, from the alcoholic fermentation process, during which temperatures were kept at around 26° Celsius. The structure presents a remarkable harmonious balance. The Merlots are superb while the Cabernets are powerful but incredibly creamy: these are real thoroughbreds. 2009 is an exceptional vintage.

Harvest: September 15^th - October 14^th   
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon - 37% Merlot - 3% Cabernet Franc
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 44% Cabernet Sauvignon - 40% Merlot - 16% Cabernet Franc

Vintage 2008: Purity

April 2008 was particularly cold but the vineyard of Haut-Bailly once again was able to benefit from its excellent position raised, on an outcrop that protects it from frost. Rain during May caused some disruption to the flowering, leading to low yields. Happily, July was dry and beautiful.

The weather in September and October was exceptional and particularly dry, which meant the grapes reached perfect maturity and showed high degrees of potential alcohol, equal to both 2005 and 2006. The acidity levels remained fairly high because of the moderate summer temperatures. The grapes themselves were smaller, which contributed to a real concentration of flavours once the grapes were in the vats.  

The 2008 harvest will remain in the history books as one of the longest and latest of the decade: 10 days of grape picking spread out over 5 weeks! The harvest began on September 25^th for the youngest Merlots, while the last Cabernet Sauvignons were brought in from October 17^th to 23^rd, in perfect health. Low yields and a late year are a strong indication of excellent quality. The 2008 vintage is rich in colour, has great vivacity, structure and balance, with velvety tannins that are seductive and powerful: both striking and soft!

Harvest: September 25^th - October 23^rd   
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon - 30% Merlot
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 41% Cabernet Sauvignon - 51% Merlot - 8% Cabernet Franc

Vintage 2007: Regularity

Flowering took place more than three weeks earlier than usual thanks to an early and warm spring. However, high rainfall in May brought in the risk of mildew which was carefully controlled by the estate’s motivated and alert technical team. Cool weather during the summer slowed down growth of the grapes and meant the vines lost their initial advance. Fortunately though, the weather throughout September and October was ideal, with beautiful sunny days and cool nights that made for a promising vintage.

The harvest began on September 21^st with the Merlots. The Cabernets waited until the second week of October to be picked at perfect maturity. Thanks to careful winemaking and gentle extraction, wines of great balance were produced. The deeply-coloured, concentrated, and powerful Cabernets Sauvignons constitute the backbone of our blend, together with the softness brought by the Merlots.

The 2007 presents a structured texture and plenty of emphasis on the palate with pure flavours. The combination of the crunchy Cabernets, dense, fine and velvety tannins offer a wine that is wonderfully elegant. In perfect harmony to the style of Haut-Bailly, this is a truly classic vintage.

Harvest: September 21^st - October 12^th   
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon - 26% Merlot - 4% Cabernet Franc
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon - 42% Merlot - 8% Cabernet Franc

Vintage 2006: Classicism

A very dry spring and a warm summer favoured the formation of small bunches of fine grapes and interrupted vine growth at the right time. Overcast skies and cool temperatures in August helped ripen the grapes and maintain a satisfactory level of acidity and good aromatic potential. Two weeks of beautiful weather at the beginning of September were extremely beneficial and tests in the vineyard indicated alcoholic and polyphenolic levels identical to those of 2004 and 2005.

Thanks to the careful work on each vine throughout the year, all the picked fruit was healthy, aromatic and perfectly ripe. Traditional cultivation methods such as ploughing between each row of vines are used every year at Haut-Bailly. This encourages deep rooting and is a crucial factor in preventing skin splitting and subsequent rotting of the grapes should rain arrive late in the season. These techniques proved particularly critical in 2006.

The 2006 vintage has very deep colour, an intense fruity character and, to our delight, an impressive tannic structure. The Merlot is smooth and the Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful. This vintage will undoubtedly be well-balanced, silky, and elegant. In short: a great wine and a credit to its terroir.

Harvest: September 13^th - October 5^th   
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon - 35% Merlot
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon - 49% Merlot - 6% Cabernet Franc

Vintage 2005: Legendary

The 2005 vintage was favoured by a dry spring, a summer with intensely hot days but cool nights, and a beautiful autumn. These exceptional weather conditions, together with constant individual work on the vines, resulted in remarkably mature grapes – the Merlots having a natural alcohol content of more than 14° and 13° for the Cabernets – never known before at Haut-Bailly.

The harvest began on September 14^th and took five weeks. Picking was done two days a week and to avoid the most intense heat done only in the mornings.

The yield was low (41hl per ha) but the results were extraordinary. Emile Peynaud’s definition that “an exceptional vintage is the result of unusual weather conditions” applies perfectly to the 2005 vintage. Power, freshness, balance, and elegance characterise this legendary vintage.

Harvest: September 14^th - October 11^th   
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon - 36% Merlot - 6% Cabernet Franc
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon - 28% Merlot - 15% Cabernet Franc

Vintage 2004: A Rare Perfection

Following three years of low yields, the 2004 vintage produced generous quantities of remarkably fine wines. The cool, dry spring, relatively rare in the generally mild, damp Atlantic climate, had two main consequences: first, the vines flowered late, in June, under excellent conditions and, secondly, water stress affected the vines unusually early, resulting in an amazingly high polyphenol content in the grapes. Extensive bunch thinning in July ensured that the grapes were evenly distributed on the vines and hot, dry September weather brought all the grape varieties to peak ripeness.

The Merlot grapes were picked from September 27^th to October 4^th. Harvesting continued with the Cabernets Francs and Cabernets Sauvignons, ending in the second week in October. At the end of malolactic fermentation, the intense colour of the wines, the brilliance of the Merlots, and the velvety tannins of the Cabernets Sauvignons showed that the final blend would have exceptional promise, with lots of fresh, ripe fruit and an impressive tannic structure.

Harvest: September 27^th - October 18^th   
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon - 45% Merlot - 5% Cabernet Franc
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon - 30% Merlot - 20% Cabernet Franc