The most sensual of Pessac-Léognan wines, regardless of the vintage. So charming and seductive that, during blind tastings, one often imagines it to be a Merlot-dominant wine. It admirably demonstrates that silky, smoky character, with notes of cedar wood and black fruit, that makes so many Léognan wines irresistible.

Château Haut-Bailly has existed since the Middle Ages. While the presence of vines at the Pujau locality dates back to 1461, it was the Goyanèche and Daitze families who successively laid the foundations for the modern vineyard. In 1630, upon the death of Gaillard Daitze, his heirs ceded the Pujau estate to their creditors, among whom was Firmin Le Bailly, a banker in Paris. The latter would give the Château its name. The "bourdieu"—an old term for a wine estate—achieved success thanks to the Baillys, who developed the vineyard through an intelligent policy of purchasing and exchanging vines. Several owners followed until a certain Alcide Bellot des Minières, who, upon acquiring the estate in 1872, left an indelible mark. This talented winegrower reorganized the vineyard and built the château that can still be admired today. Numerous experiments were conducted at the château, such as the pasteurization of wines or the use of copper to combat the spread of mildew. He dedicated all his efforts to promoting his vintage, eventually raising its prices to the level of the famous Haut-Brion. His many scientific contributions make him a legendary figure and earned him the nickname "King of Winegrowers." This golden age ended during the interwar period. The investments required to maintain the vineyard were too high, and the vines were left as they were. When Daniel Sanders, a wine merchant from Northern France, took over the vineyard in 1955, only 10 hectares of vines remained planted. It should be noted that two years earlier, the estate had attained the rank of "Cru Classé de Graves." He would be the architect of its revival, restoring the estate to its original configuration. He built a new cellar and sought the advice of the famous oenology professor Emile Peynaud. From 1979, his son Jean continued his father's work and also improved the production facilities.
Today…
Banker Bob Wilmers purchased the estate in 1998. In order not to break the family momentum of Château Haut-Bailly, he entrusted its management to Jean Sanders, and then to his granddaughter, Véronique. Two years later, she found herself solely at the helm of the château. Since the beginning of her management, Véronique has worked hard to make Haut-Bailly known beyond the borders of France; 85% of production is now exported: "We strive to be present everywhere, in all the great places of the world: a brand cannot ignore a major capital city; wine recognition has also become international today." Having arrived almost 10 years ago, Véronique can pride herself on leading the château to the summit, honoring the work accomplished by her predecessors. With a perfect Parker score in 2009, Château Haut-Bailly is now part of a very exclusive circle in the world of great classified growths.