2016 Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan

I obviously underrated the 2016 Château Haut-Bailly on release, and it easily tops out my scale. A hypothetical blend of the 2009 and 2010, it has the opulence and sexiness of a ripe, sunny vintage (à la 2009) paired with incredible purity, concentration, structure, and elegance (à la 2010). Incredible aromatics of cassis, liquid violets, cedar pencil, flowers, and minerals give way to a full-bodied, multi-dimensional, layered Haut-Bailly offering ultra-fine tannins, flawless overall balance, nothing out of place, and the class to drink well today yet evolve for 30-40 years. Absolute perfection in wine, this is a modern-day Legend from director Veronique Sanders.

A double 100-pointer—from two of the region’s most celebrated critics, no less—shouldn’t be available at this kind of price. It also happens to be Left Bank Bordeaux from one of the greatest vintages on record, now approaching its second decade. And the producer? A long-time K&L favorite with a proven track record and one of the wine world’s great success stories. The 2016 Haut-Bailly is pure Bordeaux brilliance—the complete package in every respect—and I cannot recommend it highly enough. When Haut-Bailly is this good, it’s the combination of finesse and depth of flavor that truly makes it shine. Yes, it’s structured, but it’s also engaging on every level—stunning aromatics that capture the deep fruit and minerality of Pessac, along with a bright, focused, and impeccably textured palate that carries itself with graceful power. The long finish reveals fine tannins and a subtle savory note that begs for another sip. There’s already so much going on here, yet there’s no doubt another ten years will bring even more magic. Either way, this is a textbook example of an elite Bordeaux producer operating at the highest level—all at a price that’s as rewarding as it gets for wine of this caliber.