Château Haut Bailly II, Grand Vin de Bordeaux, Pessac Léognan,

Intense cassis, prune and fig fruits, this has juice and balance but is serious in character, with slate and crayon notes, peony flowers, and clear ageing potential. 30% new oak, harvest September 9 to 25. Vinified in the old winery but all ageing took place in the stunning new cellars with their underground barrel ageing area. 30% of overall production in HBII.

A blend of 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Haut-Bailly II has a deep garnet-purple color. It rolls effortlessly out of the glass with rambunctious notes of crushed blackberries, warm blackcurrants, and juicy plums, plus suggestions of clove oil, unsmoked cigars, and fragrant soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers velvety tannins and seamless freshness to match the expressive black fruits, finishing long and spicy.

The 2020 Haut-Bailly II bides its time in the glass, that flourishes with blackberry, shucked oyster shells, pressed iris flower and a touch of graphite. This is classy. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, gentle grip, fine tannins, smooth and cohesive with a generous sprinkling of black pepper towards the finish. This leaves the tongue tingling long after the wine has departed - a serious Deuxième Vin.