TN: 05 Donjon CdP, 99 Haut-Bailly

[Rob MacKay]

• 2005 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (3/26/2011)
  Previously had this wine near 2 years ago. Initially seemed quite closed up in comparison to what I noted back in July of 09 but with some encouragement from the decanter everything started to emerge. The slight peppery elements mixed with dark berry and plum with touches of spice. Overall this might be in a bit of a shutdown stage at this point but still very enjoyable with tons of potential. (92 pts.)
• 1999 Château Haut-Bailly - France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan (3/25/2011)
  Not decanted. Consumed over a 3 hour period. Very little sign of age in the color. Nose shows some lively red berries with slight notes of earthy mushrooms and tobacco. Decent acidity with a nicely complex and well integrated mix of fruit and texture with softening tannins on the medium length finish. Kept improving with time in the glass. Very nice and should continue to impress for several years. (91 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

[Chateau HautBailly]

Hi Rob,

Nice to read your comment on Haut-Bailly 1999. Glad you liked it !
This vintage is showing very nicely these days, though needing some air to reveal itself.

Did you have anything to eat along this tasting ?

Regards,

Château Haut-Bailly

[Rob MacKay]

Hi Rob,

Nice to read your comment on Haut-Bailly 1999. Glad you liked it !
This vintage is showing very nicely these days, though needing some air to reveal itself.

Did you have anything to eat along this tasting ?

Regards,

Château Haut-Bailly

We had it with some tasty hanger steak served with roasted potatoes seasoned with fennel salt and finished with white truffle oil. Quite a tasty wine, especially after a couple hours of air.