Following three years of low yields, the 2004 vintage produced generous quantities of remarkably fine wines. The cool, dry spring, relatively rare in the generally mild, damp Atlantic climate, had two main consequences: first, the vines flowered late, in June, under excellent conditions and, secondly, water stress affected the vines unusually early, resulting in an amazingly high polyphenol content in the grapes. Extensive bunch thinning in July ensured that the grapes were evenly distributed on the vines and hot, dry September weather brought all the grape varieties to peak ripeness.

The Merlot grapes were picked from September 27^th to October 4^th. Harvesting continued with the Cabernets Francs and Cabernets Sauvignons, ending in the second week in October. At the end of malolactic fermentation, the intense colour of the wines, the brilliance of the Merlots, and the velvety tannins of the Cabernets Sauvignons showed that the final blend would have exceptional promise, with lots of fresh, ripe fruit and an impressive tannic structure.

Harvest: September 27^th – October 18^th   
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon – 45% Merlot – 5% Cabernet Franc
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon – 30% Merlot – 20% Cabernet Franc