Chateau Haut Bailly - Haut Bailly II 2018

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "The second wine of this estate, formerly La Parde de Haut-Bailly, is a good reflection of the top wine. Firm tannins are embellished by black fruits that give richness and density. While tannins are there, the wine is generously textured and set for great medium-term aging. Drink from 2025."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2018 Haut-Bailly II—formerly known as "La Parde de Haut-Bailly"—is the second wine of Haut-Bailly, having a name change starting with this vintage. Composed of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a medium to deep garnet-purple color, singing of redcurrant jelly, Black Forest cake and black raspberries, plus notes of spice cake, potpourri, incense and unsmoked cigars. The medium to full-bodied palate is soft and juicy, featuring a lovely backbone of freshness and loads of spicy sparks on the long finish."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Showing nicely, the 2018 Haut-Bailly II (65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals a healthy ruby/purple color as well as classy notes of black cherries, cassis, leafy tobacco, and earth. It's medium to full-bodied and has a light, elegant texture, moderate tannins, and just loads of up-front charm and drinkability. It doesn't have the depth or richness of the Grand Vin, but it's still going to improve for 2-4 years and keep for a decade or more. I'd be happy to drink a bottle."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Tabakig, dunkle Waldbeeren, etwas Edelholz, dunkles Nougat ist unterlegt. Mittlere Komplexität, Noten von Zwetschken und Brombeeren, integrierte Tannine, zarter Gerbstoff, wird von Flaschenreife profitieren."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Smoke, tobacco leaf, roasted coffee, herbs and red pit fruits create the nose and core of this wine. Medium-bodied, elegant, graceful, soft and fresh, with lift and a refined finish, the endnotes conclude with silky, dark red berries, cocoa and a hint of spice. This is perfect to enjoy while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. 2018 marks the debut vintage for the newly renamed second wine from Chateau Haut Bailly."