| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pauillac |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Historically a part of Batailley until the property was split in two in the 1940s. Until recently, this château was owned by the aunt of Grand Puy Lacoste proprietor Xavier Borie, who made the wine. The property was sold to the Cazes family of neighbouring Lynch Bages in March 2017. Quality has jumped under the new ownership and there is a stylish new label and a new second wine called "Verso". The 40 hectare property had 22 hectares of vines (average age 40 years) planted with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. A further 19 hectares were planted in 2018 and 2019 (mainly with Cabernet Sauvignon). The vineyard is extremely well situated, bordering those of Les Forts de Latour, Pichon Lalande and Lynch Bages itself.
With the new vines in production here, the 2nd label now represents 50% of production (it was previously only 20%). The 2024 grand vin is made from 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot. The alcohol is 12.9% and the wine will be aged for 16 months in oak, 50% new.
The 2024 Haut-Batailley races across the palate with masses of dark fruit, menthol, licorice, espresso and dried herbs. Floral overtones reappear on the finish, adding a refined touch. Powerful yet polished, the 2024 is quite impressive. This feels a bit less extracted than the first vintages under the leadership of the Cazes family, not a bad thing at all in my view. Very fine. Tasted two times. Drink 2034-2054.
Mid-deep ruby. Prominent notes of violets and rose line the nose, which is floral and lithe with a touch of blueberry. The palate melds herbs and fruit, with sage, camphor and pressed flowers coming through. The wood smoke is prominent, with notes of sandalwood and cedar set against blue-black fruits. Sandy tannins build through the palate and linger on the the finish together with summer pudding fruit and racy acidity.
The 2024 Haut Batailley was picked from September 25 to October 7 and aged in 60% new oak. This has a light bouquet with graphite-tinged black fruit, but I am seeking more vigor in this Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied with a chewiness on the entry and decent structure, though it feels conservative and strict toward the finish. I need to be more convinced by this—perhaps it will gain a bit more substance by the time of bottling? Drink: 2032-2048
Deep vibrant plum purple colour, liquorice bud, cassis bud, spiced blackberry and sage, fresh with austerity but balanced by juice running through the palate, well handled. 60% new oak. 3.63 pH, harvest September 25 to October 8. 90% of the estate's 50 year old vines are in here, plus the more recent Petit Verdot plantings.
A bright and slightly spicy Pauillac led by vivid acidity and a touch of peppercorns. Red berries and cherries with juicy fruit and medium to full body. Tannins are firm and quite fine-grained. Long but not dense at the end. 68% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot and 6% petit verdot. 12.9% alcohol.
