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Wine Description
The Story
There are few places where terroir truly affects production but Château Haut-Bailly is definitely one of those. Château Haut-Bailly has a distinctive style that harmoniously combines classicism with modernity, elegance, finesse and softness with structure. The silky smoothness of the tannins echoes the elegant yet complex aromas.
Château Haut-Bailly has great ageing potential and consistently wins praise from experts who agree that it offers complex pleasure and a richness that is neither aggressive nor ostentatious. These are natural qualities which Haut-Bailly is determined to keep.
Each year the team at Château Haut-Bailly works hard at developing the quality of the wines without interfering with nature. Since 1998, thanks to even more stringent selection controls, the wine has gained a greater depth and precision.
Wine Information
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°C. 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.
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 bud burst by a fortnight, the Merlot and Cabernet flowered at the same time, around May 30. 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 with the Merlot in the mornings, to avoid the afternoon heat and went on late into the season. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were picked on October 7 and 14 .