Château Haut-Bailly

The story of Haut-Bailly stretches back to the 17th century, when Firmin Le Bailly, a Parisian banker, gave his name to the estate. Its reputation soared under Alcide Bellot des Minières in the late 19th century, earning comparisons with Bordeaux’s First Growths. In 1955, Belgian merchant Daniel Sanders ushered in a new era of precision, a legacy continued today by his granddaughter Véronique Sanders. Since 1998, the Wilmers family has overseen the property, blending tradition with innovation—most notably through a striking, energy-efficient cellar completed in 2020, designed to harmonise modern winemaking with the natural contours of the land.

Haut-Bailly’s vineyards are situated on one of the highest gravel ridges on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, a unique blend of sand, gravel, and fossil-rich stone that ensures exceptional drainage and complexity. The 28 hectares are planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), supported by Merlot (25%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). Grapes are hand-harvested and vinified in a combination of stainless steel and concrete vats before ageing 15–18 months in French oak, half of which is new. The result is a wine of poise and longevity: supple yet structured, with layers of cassis, graphite, and subtle spice. Alongside its Grand Vin, Haut-Bailly produces La Parde de Haut-Bailly, a second wine introduced in 1967, as well as a small-production rosé made exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon to preserve freshness and purity.