James Suckling (99-100)

This has incredible power and drive with blackberry, black olive and graphite. It’s full-bodied, yet dynamic and agile, with so much polished and muscular tannin. Yet, it remains in harmony and balance. So much character. The head of the chateau calls it diabolical beauty. 25% less production than the 2019. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.

James Suckling (99-100)

This has incredible power and drive with blackberry, black olive and graphite. It’s full-bodied, yet dynamic and agile, with so much polished and muscular tannin. Yet, it remains in harmony and balance. So much character. The head of the chateau calls it diabolical beauty. 25% less production than the 2019. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.

James Suckling (99-100)

This has incredible power and drive with blackberry, black olive and graphite. It’s full-bodied, yet dynamic and agile, with so much polished and muscular tannin. Yet, it remains in harmony and balance. So much character. The head of the chateau calls it diabolical beauty. 25% less production than the 2019. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.

James Suckling (99-100)

This has incredible power and drive with blackberry, black olive and graphite. It’s full-bodied, yet dynamic and agile, with so much polished and muscular tannin. Yet, it remains in harmony and balance. So much character. The head of the chateau calls it diabolical beauty. 25% less production than the 2019. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.

James Suckling (99-100)

This has incredible power and drive with blackberry, black olive and graphite. It’s full-bodied, yet dynamic and agile, with so much polished and muscular tannin. Yet, it remains in harmony and balance. So much character. The head of the chateau calls it diabolical beauty. 25% less production than the 2019. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.

James Suckling (95-96)

Lots of graphite and crushed-stone character with redcurrants and pine needles. Medium body with silky and layered tannins. Pretty balance and elegance. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 10% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.

James Suckling (95-96)

Lots of graphite and crushed-stone character with redcurrants and pine needles. Medium body with silky and layered tannins. Pretty balance and elegance. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 10% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.

James Suckling (95-96)

Lots of graphite and crushed-stone character with redcurrants and pine needles. Medium body with silky and layered tannins. Pretty balance and elegance. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 10% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.

James Suckling (95-96)

Lots of graphite and crushed-stone character with redcurrants and pine needles. Medium body with silky and layered tannins. Pretty balance and elegance. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 10% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.

James Suckling (95-96)

Lots of graphite and crushed-stone character with redcurrants and pine needles. Medium body with silky and layered tannins. Pretty balance and elegance. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 10% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.

James Suckling (95-96)

Lots of graphite and crushed-stone character with redcurrants and pine needles. Medium body with silky and layered tannins. Pretty balance and elegance. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 10% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.

James Suckling (95-96)

Lots of graphite and crushed-stone character with redcurrants and pine needles. Medium body with silky and layered tannins. Pretty balance and elegance. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 10% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.

Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Haut-Bailly checks in as 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc all raised in 50% new French oak. Its deeper ruby hue is followed by a gorgeously classic Haut-Bailly nose of red and black currants, savory flowers, dried herbs, and chocolate. Reminding me of the 2009 (or maybe a mix of the 2009 and 2010) with its opulent, sexy, yet concentrated style, it still stays flawlessly balanced and light on its feet, with no sensation of weight, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It needs to be hidden in the back of the cellar for 5-7 years and will keep for 40+ years if well stored.

Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Haut-Bailly checks in as 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc all raised in 50% new French oak. Its deeper ruby hue is followed by a gorgeously classic Haut-Bailly nose of red and black currants, savory flowers, dried herbs, and chocolate. Reminding me of the 2009 (or maybe a mix of the 2009 and 2010) with its opulent, sexy, yet concentrated style, it still stays flawlessly balanced and light on its feet, with no sensation of weight, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It needs to be hidden in the back of the cellar for 5-7 years and will keep for 40+ years if well stored.

James Suckling (98)

A near perfect example of this wine. Amazing aromas of oyster shells, iodine, stones, smoke, blueberries, blackberries, ash and graphite. Medium-bodied with firm and racy tannins on the center palate, giving tension and stature. The phenolics are thick and silky in texture. Persistent finish that suggests greatness. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. Best after 2030.

James Suckling (98)

A near perfect example of this wine. Amazing aromas of oyster shells, iodine, stones, smoke, blueberries, blackberries, ash and graphite. Medium-bodied with firm and racy tannins on the center palate, giving tension and stature. The phenolics are thick and silky in texture. Persistent finish that suggests greatness. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. Best after 2030.

James Suckling (98)

A near perfect example of this wine. Amazing aromas of oyster shells, iodine, stones, smoke, blueberries, blackberries, ash and graphite. Medium-bodied with firm and racy tannins on the center palate, giving tension and stature. The phenolics are thick and silky in texture. Persistent finish that suggests greatness. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. Best after 2030.

Decanter (94)

Wow, dark berries and violets on the nose, so sensuous, smells rich and round. Beautifully fresh on the palate, there is a real zing and burst of red fruit juiciness but also a lovely cooling freshness straight from the start. Almost has a blue fruit touch but there's strawberries, raspberries and red cherries too. Smooth tannins with a gently chalky grip that coat the mouth giving structure and body. So linear and straight yet also layered, nothing is too overt or in your face - precise and really elegant. I love this - gentle and well presented. Excellent. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Decanter (94)

Wow, dark berries and violets on the nose, so sensuous, smells rich and round. Beautifully fresh on the palate, there is a real zing and burst of red fruit juiciness but also a lovely cooling freshness straight from the start. Almost has a blue fruit touch but there's strawberries, raspberries and red cherries too. Smooth tannins with a gently chalky grip that coat the mouth giving structure and body. So linear and straight yet also layered, nothing is too overt or in your face - precise and really elegant. I love this - gentle and well presented. Excellent. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93+)

The 2020 Haut-Bailly II is super elegant and refined, with tons of aromatic nuance and character. Succulent dark cherry, rose petal, dried herbs and menthol lend energy to this super-classy Pessac-Léognan. The energy, precision and nuance here are superb. Perhaps more importantly, Haut-Bailly II does not come across as a wine from a warm year at all.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93+)

The 2020 Haut-Bailly II is super elegant and refined, with tons of aromatic nuance and character. Succulent dark cherry, rose petal, dried herbs and menthol lend energy to this super-classy Pessac-Léognan. The energy, precision and nuance here are superb. Perhaps more importantly, Haut-Bailly II does not come across as a wine from a warm year at all.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93+)

The 2020 Haut-Bailly II is super elegant and refined, with tons of aromatic nuance and character. Succulent dark cherry, rose petal, dried herbs and menthol lend energy to this super-classy Pessac-Léognan. The energy, precision and nuance here are superb. Perhaps more importantly, Haut-Bailly II does not come across as a wine from a warm year at all.

Luxuriate in the elegance of Haut Ballet 2012, an exceptional vintage from the renowned vineyards of Haut-Ballet located in the heart of Bordeaux, France. This distinguished bottling exhibits the superior qualities of its terroir and the meticulous craftmanship of its vintners. Intricately sunbathed and cool breezed by the Atlantic, the vines of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon yield a balanced, full-bodied blend exuding ripe blackberry, plum, and subtle oak nuances.

The producer, Château Haut Ballet, is celebrated for its considerable dedication to traditional winemaking practices, deploying judicious wood ageing to enhance complexity without overpowering the pure fruit expression. Haut Ballet 2012 is a true testament to this artistry, offering a palate of deep red fruit harmoniously intertwined with delicate tannic structure, making it a superb choice for enthusiasts seeking the quintessence of Bordeaux's right-bank blends.

Discover the charm of Haut Ballet 2012, a beautiful representation of its vintage, and experience the unmatched sophistication of exquisite French viticulture.

Wine Spectator (92)

Attractive chocolate, berry and currant aromas follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with medium fine tannins and a pretty berry, chocolate aftertaste. Seriously good value. Best wine from this estate in decades. Best after 2009. 9,580 cases made. -JS

Vinous - Neal Martin (94)

The 2009 Haut-Batailley is statesmanlike and beautifully defined on the nose with mineral-rich black fruit, Cuban cigar and mint aromas that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, clean and precise yet unequivocally backward and almost surly towards the grippy, saline, mineral-driven finish. This is an outstanding Pauillac in 2009 and undoubtedly this is the best bottle that I have encountered. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.