Cabernet dominant in character, with a dark fruit emphasis, elegantly fading but still savoury and elegant, a wine where subtle nuances layer up and reveal a pillow of fine tannins, tobacco, cigar box, violet, peony and pulses of minerality that keep the palate bouyant. A wonderful vintage that has reigned over the 2000 for the first two decades but I would now suggest looking to the 2000 over the coming years. Harvest September 24 to October 11. Second year of Veronique Sanders as CEO, Denis Dubourdieu consultant. 50% new oak.

Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience vertical in London. There is a surprising amount of ripeness on the nose; blueberries, touches of cassis, less minerally than the 2004. With aeration there is just a hint of crushed stones and dried autumn leaves. The palate is very well balanced, good acidity, vibrant and with the same sense of poise as the 2005. Pure blackberry, cedar and tobacco, this is a classically lined Haut Bailly with great precision if admittedly not length on the tar and spice-tinged finish. This is a great wine, one that makes you wonder why you shelled out so much for First Growths? This has consolidated its position as one of the great 2001s. Drink 2011-2025. Tasted March 2009.

The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2001 Haut-Bailly reveals sweet, pure, elegant aromas of currants, toast, and cigar smoke. With wonderful sweetness, fine tannins, a delicate, nuanced personality, and a long, persistent finish, this well-made, impressive Pessac-Leognan will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 12-14 years.

(on its finings) Medium red-ruby. Highly aromatic nose combines plum, cherry, iron, tobacco, spices and flowers. Suave, elegant and scented, with a subtle penetrating sweetness and lovely vinosity. Gentler and more stylish than the young 2002, and more aromatic in the mid-palate. This has put on weight during elevage, without being dried by excessive racking. Finishes with firm tannins and lingering perfume. A classic vintage for this chateau.

Very, very deep crimson. Green. Slightly brutal. Hard work. Lots of green, slightly underripe fruit. Very, very dry finish. No charm, though substantial. (JR)