Following a very wet autumn, the winter of 2010 and spring 2011 were marked by drought. In Europe, spring 2011 was the hottest and driest in 50 years, with only 78 mm of rain falling between March and June. The drought triggered early flowering and fruit formation in May. There was a heat wave on the 26^th and 27^th of June. Fortunately, this unusually warm spring was balanced by a cool and rather wet summer, which allowed the physiological development of the wines to start again. Finally, an Indian summer in September guaranteed a perfectly ripe harvest. By the beginning of September, thanks to a certain amount of thinning out, enabling the air to circulate around the bunches, the grapes were perfectly ripe and healthy with dense aromas and excellent structure.

The harvest started on September 9^th with the young Merlot plots. It lasted three weeks under dry and sunny weather. Rather low yields of Cabernets Sauvignons were balanced by a more generous production of Merlots. The alcoholic fermentation was kept at 26°C in order to protect the fruit from too much extraction.

2011 is a great tribute to the Haut-Bailly terroir, expressed fully through the characteristics of this vintage. A classic nose of soft fresh fruits supported by a strong yet fine tannic structure; this is a wine of real precision, stamped with the seal of Haut-Bailly.

Harvest: September 9^th – 29^th
Château Haut-Bailly blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon – 47% Merlot – 3% Cabernet Franc
La Parde Haut-Bailly blend: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon – 65% Merlot