Haut Batailley - Pauillac 2016

Vinous

95

byNeal Martinthe6/9/2026

The 2016 Haut-Batailley has a more open bouquet than the '16 Lynch Bages, but quite compelling, with more red fruit here, touches of cedar and undergrowth, superb delineation and plenty of character. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, very well balanced, a little fleshier in style, with a harmonious, lightly spiced finish. This is an absolute charmer. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.

Vinous

94

byNeal Martinthe8/13/2020

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.

Yvesbeck.wine

94

byYves Beckthe3/20/2019

Rouge grenat aux reflets pourpres. Bouquet élégant, complexe. Notes de bois de réglisse, de groseilles et de graphite. Attaque friande, agréable en bouche. Le vin a du corps et est doté de tannins bien intégrés assurant idéalement les arrières. Structure rafraîchissante et fruitée. Ce Haut Batailley a du temps devant lui et je pense qu'il va encore gagner en expression durant son évolution. A suivre. 94/100

Jeb DUNNUCK

92

byJeb Dunnuckthe3/1/2019

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.

Wine Spectator

89

byJames Molesworththe2/5/2019

Fresh and direct, with threads of chalk, bay leaf and savory pulling a core of black currant and cherry fruit along. Displays a flash of iron on the finish, with a hint of austerity from an echo of plum pit at the very end. Best from 2021 through 2029.   –JM

Jamessuckling.com

94

byJames Sucklingthe2/4/2019

The blackcurrants and blueberries with violets on the nose are fascinating. Full-bodied and very tightly wound with gorgeous tannins and a linear and bright finish. Needs two to four years to come together. Try after 2023.

Vinous

93

byNeal Martinthe1/24/2019

The 2016 Haut Batailley can be seen as a transitional wine. The property was sold to the Cazes family at the end of March 2017, so the Borie family made the wines and the Cazes family essentially finished the barrel maturation. As a consequence, the label will probably not be the new design that will adorn vintages henceforth. This has a tightly wound bouquet of blackberry, bilberry and subtle floral notes (pressed iris petals and a touch of violet). The palate is medium-bodied with fine, slightly chalky tannins. What I love about this Haut-Batailley, caught in limbo, is that it responds with so much freshness, vitality and tension, especially on the finish. Excellent.

Vinous

89

byAntonio Gallonithe1/21/2019

The 2016 Haut Batailley offers good depth in its dark cherry, plum, lavender, smoke, tobacco and leather flavors. A chunky, pleasantly rustic Pauillac, the 2016 is best enjoyed over the next 10-15 years. The Cazes family announced their acquisition of the e in the spring of 2017, just before the en primeur campaign was about to get started. The 2016 is a wine the Cazes family blended, but did not make, and is clearly a transitional wine.

Wine Advocate

92

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe11/30/2018

The 2016 Haut Batailley has a deep garnet-purple color and aromas of baked redcurrants, red plums and cassis with asphalt, fried herbs and earth. The palate is medium-bodied, firm and chewy with an earthy finish.

Decanter.com

92

byJane Ansonthe10/26/2018