critic reviews
Dark plum in colour, edges of floral violet and peony as in the 1998 and the 2001, finessed, drawn out. Cool blue and black fruits, elegant and balanced, edges of graphite and flint, love it. Now switching over into its full drinking window, after 20 years of being just a little reserved. Veronique Sanders director, Denis Dubourdieu consultant. A real standout, one to savour. Harvest September 27 to October 18. 50% new oak.
The 2004 Haut-Bailly is a candidate for the finest wine of the appellation. Its dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by classic aromas of scorched earth, sweet black currants, cherries, and a hint of pain grille. Light on its feet, but substantially flavored, it possesses stunning purity, good acidity, ripe tannin, and abundant flavor as well as length. It builds incrementally and subtly in the mouth, but its the real deal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024.
Plum, redcurrant, mocha, tobacco, licorice, minerals and a gravelly note on the nose, along with some nutty oak. Supple and fruity, with an impression of strong acidity for the year and plenty of underlying minerality. This shows less density and structure than the 2006 but possesses excellent fruit for the year. Ripe enough but quite dry. This appears to be in the process of shutting down now.