2013 La Parde de Haut Bailly, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
Critics reviews
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 28/08/2014
About this WINE
Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself particularly well in blends with Merlot. This is actually the archetypal Bordeaux blend, though in different proportions in the sub-regions and sometimes topped up with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
In the Médoc and Graves the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend can range from 95% (Mouton-Rothschild) to as low as 40%. It is particularly suited to the dry, warm, free- draining, gravel-rich soils and is responsible for the redolent cassis characteristics as well as the depth of colour, tannic structure and pronounced acidity of Médoc wines. However 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be slightly hollow-tasting in the middle palate and Merlot with its generous, fleshy fruit flavours acts as a perfect foil by filling in this cavity.
In St-Emilion and Pomerol, the blends are Merlot dominated as Cabernet Sauvignon can struggle to ripen there - when it is included, it adds structure and body to the wine. Sassicaia is the most famous Bordeaux blend in Italy and has spawned many imitations, whereby the blend is now firmly established in the New World and particularly in California and Australia.
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Description
The second wine, Le Parde de Haut-Bailly, has gone from strength to strength recently, and the 2013 is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Crisp acids define this elegant, tasty effort along with notes of red and black currants as well as subtle charcoal and spice characteristics. Excellent concentration, softness and roundness suggest it will be drinkable upon release, and should keep for a decade or more.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 28/08/2014
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