Château Haut-Bailly Pessac Léognan 2003

The aromatics change at this point, reflecting the ripeness of the 2003 vintage, and you’ll find exotic spice, turmeric, saffron, cumin. Welcoming and engaging in its brambled and pureed blackberry and raspberry fruits, silky textured, starting to slide towards tertiary, but still with the effortless finesse of Haut-Bailly, and a fresh lift on the finish. A creaminess to the tannins speaks of the ripeness of the vintage, but it is measured, great quality, and still with life ahead of it. Harvest September 3 to 27. An upscore from the last time I tasted a few years ago – particularly impressive for the 2003 vintage, that was expected to age rapidly. 50% new oak.