Haut-Bailly Ros () 2004Saignee 201150Merlot () 50Cabernet Sauvignon ()

2004Chteau Haut-Bailly Chteau Haut-Bailly

Pessac Leognan

50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon

Looking for something that quench your thirst this summer? Then you must try the Ros de Haut-Bailly from Chteau Haut-Bailly. The estate started making this saignee ros in 2004 to increase the natural concentration of their red wine. The 2011 version is 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is a summertime sipper. Quite rich on the palate, it even stands up with a nice barbecued steak!

Since 2004, Chteau Haut-Bailly has produced a ros de saigne when the conditions allow. A few hours after the start of the maceration process, part of the wine is extracted from the vat in order to increase the natural concentration of the red wine. The fermentation takes place in barrels and in vats, at low temperature to bring out the fruit aromas. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon ros, lively and seductive, is sold under the name ROSE de Haut-Bailly.

Appellation:
Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux

Country of Origin:
Bordeaux, France

Type:
Ros (Still)

Grape Varieties:
50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes:
Ruddy light copper color; strawberries both spiced/macerated and dried; raspberries and red currants woven with cloves, hints of cinnamon and limestone; lithe, supple texture, just a shade more dense than most classic French ross, otherwise deft, quite dry, elegant; light red fruit flavors filtered through violets and gravel. Exquisite but with a nod toward heft and structure. Excellent.