Haut Bailly 1998

Tasted at Berry Brother & Rudd's vertical. The 1998 Haut-Bailly has a lovely, very pure, almost Burgundy-like bouquet with seamlessly integrated oak. Lots of wild strawberries abound with hints of smoke and truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with a rounded texture that belie some quite firm tannins that seem to be mellowing slower than I first thought. There are touches of blackberry, bay leaf and a fine grainy texture on the finish that shows just a touch of alcohol. Drink now-2018. Tasted October 2011.

Dark ruby-colored with a sweet nose of berry fruit, smoke, black cherries, and spice box, this medium-bodied wine is charming, restrained, rich, and long. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016.