2004 Ch. Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan

Experts on the subject of soil will tell you that Haut Bailly boasts one of the finest terroirs in the Pessac-Leognan appellation. The wine made here has always been fine but in recent years it has reached a new level of excellence, rivalling some of the great Haut-Medoc Cab. Sauvignon-dominated wines. For me this new departure began with the 2004 vintage, not hailed as a great vintage in Bordeaux but bearing the hallmark of what the British call a "classic vintage", meaning a wine of finesse and elegance, with cool, sweet fruit supported by ripe tannins and balancing acidity. A joy to drink now and over the next 8 years.
(Alun Griffiths MW, BBR Wine Director)

A superb success, the 2004 exhibits exceptional concentration, elegance, and an almost surreal finesse-infused character along with firm tannin, sweet, concentrated red currant, black currant, and cherry fruit, and subtle notes of spicy new oak. Displaying fresh acidity as well as remarkable intensity and persistence in the mouth, and medium-bodied, concentrated flavors, it should reach full maturity in 5-7 years, and last for two decades or more.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate -Jun 06))

The say that all the investment and changes at the estate came through here. Wonderful nose of flowers, blueberries, currants and cigar tobacco. Superb nose. Full-bodied, with super-racy tannins and a long, caressing fine. This is refined and very beautiful with loads of class. Give it time. Good value, I assume. Best after 2014. 94 points, non-blind.
(James Suckling - Uncorked - America the Beautiful in Bordeaux - Winespectator.com- June 09)