1995 Haut Bailly
By Chateau Haut Bailly
1995 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The venerable 1995 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly remains etched in memory as a quintessential vinous masterpiece from the gravelly soils of Pessac-Léognan. This particular year benefits from an amalgamation of propitious climate conditions and astute viticulture, resulting in a vintage of remarkable poise and longevity.
The Harmony of Nature and Nurture
The growing season of 1995 was graced by an auspicious alignment of nature's elements; a gentle spring gave way to a sun-drenched yet balanced summer, affording the grapes a slow and even ripening. The culmination of such patient maturation is found within the bottles that now, years later, continue to offer a complex narrative in every glass.
The 1995 Haut Bailly reveals an enchanting bouquet -- dark cherries entwined with hints of tobacco and a whisper of truffle. It unfurls on the palate with graceful tannins and an exquisite structure that speaks volumes of its majestic craft. Subtle earthy undertones ground the experience, while a lingering finish ensures each sip is a lingering memento.
An Investment Wine with Enduring Elegance
A wine such as the 1995 Haut Bailly is more than mere indulgence; it is an intelligent investment into a bottle that has proven its worth through the passage of time. Its graceful ageing potential has transcended initial expectations, positioning this particular vintage from Chateau Haut Bailly as one of prime interest to collectors and investors alike.
Emerging after two decades in repose with poise and finesse, the 1995 Haut Bailly continues to exude a rarefied air that one hopes to capture in Bordeaux wines of this calibre. A sterling example of Bordeaux’s prowess, it remains an illustrious candidate for continued appreciation – be that on the palate or in market value.
In conclusion, cherishing a bottle of this venerable vintage represents not only an indulgence in fine winemaking but also an astute foray into wine investment. As each year passes, the allure of the 1995 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly only burgeons, promising to reward those who have had the foresight to embrace its legacy.Market price (HKD)
HK$7,520.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
65.83
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted at Berry Brother & Rudd's vertical. The 1995 is probably reaching its peak. It retains that lovely Graves bouquet with tertiary notes subtly interwoven into the red berry fruit, that meaty element only becoming evident with continued aeration. The palate is sensual on the entry with a rounded texture, plenty of sous-bois notes defining the finish that is long in the mouth. The savoury side of this wine is less obvious here that on previous bottles. Drinking beautifully now. Tasted October 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2013
A beauty, this deep ruby-colored wine offers a classic, smoky, cherry, red and black currant-scented nose, sweet, lush, forward fruit, medium body, true delicacy and elegance (as opposed to thinness and dilution), perfect balance, and a lovely, long, supple, velvety-textured finish. This is a ballerina of a claret, with beautiful aromatics, lovely flavors, and impeccable equilibrium. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2018.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #115 February 1998