1986 Château Haut-Batailley

Elegant and tasty with cedar, plum and currant flavors of moderate depth an d intensity. Lacks the richness for greatness, but it's a very good drink. Best after 1992. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1989.

After tasting this wine several times out of cask, I had believed that the 1986 Haut-Batailley was one of the finest wines made at this estate in more than a decade. However, three tastings from the bottle have revealed a wine that is attractive, but does not have the depth or aging potential that I originally thought. It is atypically supple and silky for a 1986, with a pleasing currant fruitiness married nicely to toasty oak. It is medium bodied, but seems to fall off on the palate, revealing a diffuse character. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 6/90. Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition # B1.

The 1986 Haut-Batailley has matured in splendid fashion. The nose is engaging, a mixture of red and black fruit, gravel and spice. Juxtaposed against the 1996 Haut-Batailley I find more energy in this, despite being ten years older. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, earthy black fruit with good acidity. It is not a complex Pauillac and the finish feels a tad staid, although the residue of white pepper and bay leaf on the finish is very pleasurable. This 1986 is clearly a point and should be drunk now and over the next 8-10 years. Tasted July 2016. Dec 2016, www.robertparker.com