Haut Bailly - Pessac-Léognan 2003

Jeb DUNNUCK

93

byJeb Dunnuckthe10/19/2023

Based on 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, the 2003 Château Haut-Bailly is shockingly fresh and lively, and I certainly wouldn't have guessed the vintage. Sweet red and black fruits, minty herbs, tobacco leaf, and toasty notes all define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with a medium to full-bodied, elegant style. There's a firmer edge to the tannins, but this has a lively, focused, beautifully balanced style that will evolve nicely over the coming decade.

Decanter.com

93

byJane Ansonthe7/30/2020

The warmth of the year comes through in a fatter more velvety texture than you find in many Haut-Baillys, and in its clearly generous autumnal berry fruit, deep black pepper, liquorice and saffron spice. All this is set alongside pulsing aromatics, and a juicy finish that shows the fruit was ripe but not overripe. Excellent, easy to recommend in what was a challenging vintage where terroir absolutely shone through.

Drinking Window 2020 - 2038

Wine Advocate

91

byRobert Parkerthe8/29/2014

I remember being worried about how well the 2003 Haut-Bailly would turn out, but it has aged beautifully. Made from a final blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, it currently offers fresh tobacco leaf, red and black currant notes, and hints of burning embers and charcoal. Having put on weight over the last eleven years, it is more complete and fuller than I expected. Enjoy this pretty, luscious, fully mature 2003 over the next decade.

Wine Advocate

90

byRobert Parkerthe4/24/2006

One can not say enough about the investments and commitment to quality instituted by Haut-Bailly’s new American owner, Robert Wilmers, the head of the huge M&T bank conglomerate. The chateau’s entire staff, headed by the talented Veronique Sanders (the granddaughter of one of the great gentlemen of Bordeaux, Daniel Sanders), reflects both enthusiasm and dedication. Powerful, fruit-driven, and big, the 2003 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color along with a sweet perfume of lead pencil shavings intermixed with red and black currants, cherries, and forest floor. Boasting beautiful purity, medium to full body, and admirable glycerin as well as textural weight, it is an elegant, classic Bordeaux to drink between 2008-2020+.

Wine Spectator

88

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2006

Aromas of berry and sweet tobacco follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Subtle character and refinement. Needs a bit more depth to be outstanding. Best after 2009. 6,665 cases made.

Wine Advocate

90-92

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2005

Deep ruby/purple with a wonderful nose of roasted herbs and scorched earth, this wine has sweet cherry and black currant fruit notes along with hints of graphite and toasty oak. While pure, rich, and more powerful than usual, it remains elegant and precise, characteristics of this stylish wine. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2023. This property is making impressive wines under the new administration of American Robert Wilmers backed up by his winemaking team led by Veronique Sanders. I have consistently had a tendency to underrate the wines young since they are relatively delicate, and that style hasn’t changed, but there does seem to be more mid-palate and intensity than in the past. For example, I recently had both the 1998 and 2000 Haut-Bailly, and I would have rated them 93 and 91 respectively, which is higher than I had rated them in the past, adding to my belief that I consistently underestimate these wines.

Wine Advocate

87-89

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2004

I had varying tasting experiences with this cuvee, but at its finest (which it was in 2 of 3 tastings), it is a pretty, deep ruby/purple-tinged effort with racy, noble, restrained aromas of sweet cherries, black currants, damp earth, and new wood. Medium-bodied, with spicy oak, low acidity, and clean, refreshing fruit, it should drink well in 2-3 years, and last for 12-14.