1970 Chateau Haut Bailly, Pessac Leognan

This shows lovely balance with cedar, berries, leaves and tobacco. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a delicious finish. Gorgeous. 92 points, James Suckling

Tasted blind in London, it had been several years since I last tasted the 1970 Haut Bailly. At 36 years of age this is a Pessac-Léognan still with much pleasure to give. Healthy in color with commensurate bricking on the rim, it has a fragrant bouquet with scents of gravel and cedar on the nose. Nothing intense or powerful here, yet well defined and almost Saint-Julien-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and commendable balance. There remain vestiges of leafy red berry fruit intermingling with sous-bois and cedar, gently building to a composed finish, but never over-reaching itself. 90 points, Robert Parker