Chateau Haut Bailly   Haut Bailly

1986 Haut Bailly

By Chateau Haut Bailly

1986 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux

The grandeur of Bordeaux's offerings never ceases to enthral the oenophiles across the globe, and the esteemed 1986 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly is no exception. Nestled in the verdant appellation of Pessac-Leognan, this vintage transcends the boundaries set by its predecessors with an aura of distinction.

 

A Vintage With a Voice: The Unique Narrative of 1986 Haut Bailly

With vines deeply rooted in gravelly soils, Chateau Haut Bailly benefited from the rigorous climate of the 1986 season which sculpted a vintage with resilience and character. This pivotal year was marked by an arduous spring, leading to a late bud-break, subsequently chased by an exceptionally warm summer and dry harvest period. The result was a cabernet-driven blend brimming with ripe tannins and an outstanding potential for longevity.

 

Tasting Notes: A Journey Through Time

A sip of the 1986 Haut Bailly unravels the intricate dance between maturity and vigour. Distinguished layers of dark berry fruit intertwine with enduring leather and earthy cedar – a testament to its graceful ageing process. The tannic structure, once robust in its youth, now sits harmoniously amidst the wine’s stately complexity. Yet what I find most compelling is its poised finish – sterling proof of this vintage holding its high esteem despite the march of time.

 

Investing in a Testament of Terroir

Fine wine investors have long cherished vintages that encapsulate both timelessness and uniqueness; the 1986 Haut Bailly offers just this. Not only does it represent an exceptional year from a venerable estate but its continued evolution suggests there is pleasure yet to be discovered within its depths. A commodity in finite supply, this vintage continues to enthral both collectors and connoisseurs with its singular charm.

 

In Summary: Why 1986 Haut Bailly?

To immerse oneself in this exquisite 1986 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly is to appreciate Bordeaux’s alchemy at its most profound. With 40 years witnessing the ebb and flow of countless vintages, I affirm that this particular gem stands as an emblematic investment-worthy vintage, promising desirability and distinction for those who seek to enrich their cellars with a Pessac-Leognan legend.

Market price (CAD)

$1,750.00

12x75cl

Highest score

89

POP score

116.67

Scores and tasting notes

89

Tasted at Berry Brother & Rudd's vertical. The 1986 is actually 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has good intensity on the nose with blackberry, cedar and graphite aromas rendering the 1986 almost Pauillac in style (as many Left Bank wines tend to in this vintage.) The palate is medium-bodied with fine balance: blackcurrant pastille, cedar, tobacco and a slight dustiness on the sweet finish that retains that slight medicinal note. This is better than the bottle shown at the vertical back in 2009. This is a solid effort that continues to drink well. Drink now-2018+ Tasted October 2011.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2013

85

Considering the strong, tannic personality of the vintage, Haut Bailly's 1986 is a soft wine that can be drunk at a very early age. The full-intensity bouquet of sweet, smoky oak and ripe, plummy fruit is very attractive. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine is long, rich in fruit, and supple, and finishes surprisingly smoothly. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005. Last tasted, 1/97.

Robert Parker Jr - Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition

Vintage performance