2016 Haut Batailley

The 2016 Haut-Batailley was tasted from two bottles, the first showing a touch of TCA. The second has an airy and well-defined bouquet of blackberry, graphite and subtle floral aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins and very classic in style, displaying impressive grip. I appreciate the substance toward the finish, and the pencil lead lingering on the aftertaste. This is an outstanding Haut-Batailley. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.

Made by Borie and bottled by Cazes (ownership of this property transferred from the Borie family to the Cazes family in 2017). Never released en primeur. Tasted blind. First bottle oxidised. Second bottle: Smooth and very polished. Drawing-room wine. Polished to within an inch of its life – very effectively! Attractive stuff for relatively early drinking. (JR)

This estate hit a home run with their 2016 Château Haut-Batailley. This medium to full-bodied beauty oozes classic Pauillac notes of dried tobacco, new saddle leather, and earthy, spicy dark fruits. Nicely concentrated, perfectly balanced, and with building tannins, it has enough elegance and purity to offer pleasure even today, yet it’s going to keep for two decades or more. It’s well worth seeking out.