Vintage 2010: Excellence
Vintage 2010 : Excellence •
To do better than in 2009 was a challenge! But owing to the auspicious climatic conditions that prevailed throughout the growing period and the sustainable cultivation and winemaking methods used at Haut-Bailly, the byword for the 2010 vintage is excellence. The 2010 has a different style but it is just as remarkable as the 2009. July was consistently hot and sunny inducing early water stress, stopping plant growth which is propitious for the development of small grapes – a promise of quality and concentration.
The contrasting cool nights helped to protect the fruit and promote anthocyanin and aroma synthesis. Harvesting began on 22 September with the young Merlot vines, followed by the Cabernets from 5 to 14 October. As a result of the water deficit, the grapes were extremely small producing a higher phenolic content than in 2009. A good balance was achieved through careful and precise winemaking: gentle extraction with a controlled fermentation temperature (around 26°C) to limit the effects of the high alcohol content.
The vintage is powerful with very long ageing potential; it has a condensed complex structure sustained by a dazzling freshness, ideal concentration combined with superb maturity. 2010 has already earned its place among the greatest Bordeaux.
Harvest: September 22th – 30th
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon – 36% Merlot – 2% Cabernet Franc
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon – 40% Merlot – 20% Cabernet Franc