Château Haut-Bailly 2025

Château Haut-Bailly sits on the gentle slopes of Graves in the AOC Pessac-Léognan, on plots recognised for vine growing since the 15th century. Its sandy, gravelly soils are studded with petrified fossil shells and rare minerals, a terroir that drains freely, stores heat and lends the wines their fine, mineral character. Cabernet Sauvignon leads the blend, with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc filling out the body and aromatics. The free draining gravel ripens the Cabernet fully while the cool subsoil keeps the fruit fresh. The 2025 ages 16 months in oak barrels, where measured oxygen exchange through the wood rounds the tannins and adds cedar and spice that support rather than dominate the fruit. The wine is deep red, with a nose of ripe cherry, blackberry and plum over tobacco, dried earth and a touch of pepper. The palate is medium to full bodied, refined and silky, with the elegant, savoury tannins for which the estate is known and a long mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb, beef and game.