Reminding me of the 2009, the 2015 Château Haut-Bailly has a riper, sunny, sexy style that nevertheless stays nicely grounded and elegant, with ample classic Haut-Bailly character. Sweet crème de cassis, smoked tobacco, loads of spicy, loamy earth, and cedar pencil, full-bodied richness, ripe, velvety tannins, and flawless balance all characterize this incredible wine. It actually already offers pleasure today given its texture, balance, and purity, but it’s going to evolve for 30+ years.

This is an incredible young red with precision and focus that is second to almost none. Full body with a ultra-fine tannin drive that is seamless as it is endless. It ends with such power. Try in 2024 but already impressive to taste.

The 2015 is one of the most compelling wines from the vintage. The blend consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. It opens to seductive aromatics of ripe blackberries, dark cherries and blueberries which come together with spring florals, tobacco and wonderful mineral nuances, all soaring from the glass. This possesses a medium-plus body with incredible balance and poise. It remans beautifully concentrated, with remarkable overall depth and focus, as it shows a wonderful combination of freshness and minerality leading up the ultra-long, opulent finish. A simply fascinating wine from Haut-Bailly which will absolutely thrive in the cellar for decades. (JD)