Chateau Haut Bailly History
Throughout the 18th century powerful,well-connected and ambitious owners drove Haut-Bailly to new heights, including Christophe Lafaurie de Monbadon and his son Laurent who went on to become Mayor of Bordeaux in 1805.In 1872, Alcide Bellot des Minières acquired the estate and constructed the imposing, stone chateau building that remains to this day. He pioneered a precise, science-driven approach to viticulture,becoming a figure of legend widely known as the 'King of Vintners'. Thanks to Alcide's incredible drive, Haut-Bailly experienced a remarkable golden age,commanding the same prices as the First Growths: Lafite, Latour, Margaux andHaut-Brion. Following Alcide’s death, Haut-Bailly experienced a period of instability, regularly changing hands up until 1955.Nonetheless, the value and quality of its wines were never called into question, leading naturally to the classification of the property as a ‘CruClassé de Graves’ in 1953.The purchase of Haut-Bailly in 1955 byDaniel Sanders, a Belgian negociant, opened up a new era. Daniel and his son,Jean, recomposed the vineyard, renovated the winery and took pains to selectonly grapes from the best vines for their grand vin. They succeeded in giving the wines a unique style and reputation, and Haut-Bailly recovered its image asa great wine on the international marketplace.
Today, the estate is directed by Veronique Sanders, the fourth generation of her family associated with Haut-Bailly. Robert Wilmers and Veronique Sanders together are clearly producing wine of stunning quality at Chateau Haut Bailly. However, while the turn around was relative quick, it took until 2005, before wines of tremendous style, character and quality began being produced by the estate.
In July 1998 Château Haut-Bailly was purchased by American Robert G. Wilmers, chairman and CEO of the M&T Bank based in Buffalo, New York. A lifelong lover of Bordeaux Grands Crus, Bob was behind every strategic decision, ensuring that Haut-Bailly followed a path of progression and continuity whilst remaining ever-respectful of its heritage.
After Mr. Wilmers purchased the property,he first asked Jean Sanders to stay on board, and then Véronique Sanders,fourth generation, to serve as general manager, overseeing a far-reaching investment programme to modernise the vineyards, cellars, offices, and château itself.For Bob and his wife Elisabeth, Haut-Bailly went well beyond a financial investment: it was a joint passion. Following the sad passing of Bob in December 2017, his family has taken over and will continue in his footsteps. Together with the management team, they are committed to continuing Bob’s work in the same spirit and energy as in the past twenty years. The many recently initiated and future projects will be pursued.
