2021 Château Haut-Bailly Magnum

Château Haut-Bailly Winery

Château Haut-Bailly is one of Pessac-Léognan's historic landmarks and is classified as a Cru Classé de Graves. Situated on one of the appellation's highest gravel ridges, the estate is known for its elegant, understated style. Under the leadership of Véronique Sanders, the vineyard and cellar are worked with great precision, with a clear focus on balance, terroir expression, and finesse. Haut-Bailly combines classic Bordeaux structure with remarkable refinement.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Pessac-Léognan and the 2021 vintage

Pessac-Léognan is known for its structured wines with smoky nuances and distinct mineral undertones, sourced from gravelly soils with sand and clay. These soils provide good drainage and contribute to aromatic precision.

The 2021 vintage was challenging, with frost, hail, and high disease pressure. Yields at Haut-Bailly were exceptionally low, resulting in concentrated fruit. Despite the difficult season, 2021 produced wines with fresh acidity, moderate alcohol, and a classic balance that perfectly suits the château's style.

Vineyards and terroir of Haut-Bailly

The vineyards of Château Haut-Bailly are situated on a high, gravelly plateau, one of the appellation's most homogeneous terroirs. The soils consist of deep gravel layers interspersed with sand and clay, which contribute to the structure and elegance of the wine.

In 2021, only 13 of the 56 available vats were used, illustrating the extreme selection process. These strict choices directly contributed to the wine's concentration and purity.

Grape varieties and composition

The 2021 Château Haut-Bailly is blended from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone, providing structure and freshness.

Merlot adds roundness and texture, while Petit Verdot plays a prominent role in this vintage with its spice and depth. Cabernet Franc adds aromatic tension to the blend.

Harvest and vinification

The harvest took place under challenging conditions, with strict selection in the vineyard to ensure only perfectly healthy fruit was used. Due to the low yields, extra attention was paid to precision and balance.

Vinification focused on controlled extraction and preserving freshness. Some of the wine is made from pressed wine, carefully integrated to enhance structure and length without adding harshness.

Magnum size and maturation advantage

This wine is offered in a magnum format. The larger bottle size allows for slower and more even aging than in a standard bottle. This promotes the integration of tannins and acidity and significantly extends the drinking window. For a classically structured wine like Haut-Bailly, a magnum is particularly well-suited for extended cellar aging.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine reveals a deep ruby red color. The nose is complex and restrained, with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and cherry, complemented by spice, graphite, smoke, blossom, and subtle earthy notes.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a muscular yet refined structure. The tannins are powdery and well-integrated, while fresh acidity provides tension and length. The finish is long, clean, and precise.

Structure, style and storage potential

The 2021 Château Haut-Bailly is a wine of reserve and precision, with a vertical structure and a clear focus on finesse. The style is classic and understated, without excess.

Thanks to its structure, fresh acidity, and low yields, this wine has excellent aging potential. In magnum format, it can easily mature and gain complexity over several decades.

Summary of professional reviews

Yohan Castaing rates the 2021 Château Haut-Bailly 94 points, praising its balance, tension, and aging potential. James Suckling awards 97 points, praising its finesse, texture, and length. Antonio Galloni rates the wine 96 points, describing it as refined, vertical, and distinctly classic in style. The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

Would you like to order Château Haut-Bailly wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

Slow-cooked venison leg with juniper berries and celeriac complements the spiciness and texture.

Roasted quail with chestnut and sage pairs well with the refined tannins and fresh acidity.

Grilled red cabbage with miso, sesame and apple cider vinegar works beautifully with the savory and mineral notes.

Veal cheek with mushroom sauce and bay leaf combines beautifully with the powdery texture.

Ravioli filled with parsnip and citrus peel matches the tension and aromatic precision.

Blue-veined cheese such as Bleu d'Auvergne offers a powerful yet harmonious contrast.