At a glance

Producer

Château Haut-Bailly

Region

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$150 - $250

Tasting profile

Aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, graphite with lactones and subtle earth

Evolution: Fruit will integrate further with tertiary notes of leather, truffle, and cigar box developing

At peak: Complex layers of dark fruits, mineral and earthy nuances with polished tannins

Structure

Acidity

Balanced and vibrant

Tannins

Firm and grippy

Alcohol

14.5%

Aging potential

30-40+ years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2049

Optimal window

2025 to 2052

Current status

In early maturity, still developing complexity

Current condition

Tight tannins with rich fruit character, will benefit from additional bottle age

2017 Haut-Bailly is from an excellent Bordeaux vintage characterized by ripe fruit and solid structure, combined with its renowned terroir and top-tier winemaking, this wine benefits from long-term aging to allow tannins to soften and secondary aromas to emerge fully.

Food pairing

Pair with rich lamb dishes, beef ribeye, game birds, or aged hard cheeses

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow aromas to open

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Water conservation initiatives, energy-efficient winery equipment, efforts to reduce chemical inputs

Château Haut-Bailly practices sustainable viticulture focused on soil health and biodiversity; while not fully organic or biodynamic, it implements progressive environmental measures including green energy use and water recycling. As a high-profile Bordeaux estate, packaging uses eco-conscious materials but carbon footprint remains moderate due to global distribution.