Haut Bailly II 2018 (750ML)

91-93 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Formerly known as "La Parde de Haut-Bailly," this second wine from Haut-Bailly will have a name change starting with this vintage. Composed of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested September 17 to October 9, the 2018 Haut-Bailly II is deep purple-black in color and leaps from the glass with exuberant notes of crushed blackberries, black raspberries and plum preserves plus hints of red and black currants, menthol, mocha and candied violets with a touch of cedar chest. Full-bodied, firm and very finely grained, it has bags of freshness and loads of savory sparks, finishing long and mineral tinged." 04/19

91 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 Haut-Bailly II has a very endearing bouquet of mixed red and black fruit, cedar and sandalwood, plus light white pepper scents and a touch of Earl Grey, all very well defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with black olive/brine-tinged black fruit. This is a spicy Deuxième Vin from the team at Haut-Bailly, so much so that the mouth tingles with residual pepperiness for 30 seconds after it has exited. It needs 2–3 years in bottle for the tannins to soften, but it will then drink well for up to 15 years." 03/21

90-93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 Haut-Bailly II is the newest incarnation of Le Parde de Haut Bailly. The wine is the same, only the name has changed, which the château did to link the wine more closely to the property and also eliminate ambiguity in a name that created confusion in the market. Deep, racy and beautifully layered in the glass, the Haut-Bailly II is a gorgeous wine in its peer group. Crushed flowers, mint, sweet tobacco, cedar and licorice all give the II lovely aromatic complexity to play off the resonant fruit. Medium in body and gracious, the II has a vertical feel that is impossible to miss. The blend is 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon." 04/19

93-94 Points, James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com: "Extremely fresh and aromatic with sliced berries and hints of orange peel. Medium-bodied yet dense and deep with ripe, firm tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows energy and vibe. Solid length. Formerly called La Parde de Haut-Bailly. Second wine." 04/19

92 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "La Parde de Haut Bailly has been renamed Haut Bailly II as of this vintage. Right from the first nose you can feel how intense this is, and certainly it's a second wine that gives you a good idea of the potential of the grand vin. It's poised and juicy, with liquorice, cassis, pencil lead, slate and the tingle of minerality that tells you that we are with Haut-Bailly here. There's a touch of austerity on the finish, not giving in to the vintage potential for being overly generous. 30% new oak. 30% of production." 03/19

92-94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com: "The second wine of Haut Bailly, which was previously released as the La Parde de Haut-Bailly starting in 1967, the renamed 2018 Haut-Bailly II is 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 30% new French oak. Black raspberries, cherries, cassis, graphite, and spicy wood notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied Pessac-Léognan. Rich, medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and elegant, it has the vintage's fresh, clean, pure character, beautiful richness, and a great finish." 04/19