The 1996 Haut Bailly is about as classic as they come and shows the more focused, elegant style of this vintage nicely. Cedarwood, lead pencil shavings, tobacco leaf and plenty of earthy dark fruits emerge from this medium-bodied, fresh, balanced, textbook Pessac that’s drinking at point today. It should last for another 15-20 years.
This big wine will reward the patient collector. Since 1982 Haut-Bailly has been making outstanding wines and the 1996 is no exception. The vintage has a little added muscle, but is still characteristically elegant.