Haut Batailley 2020 (750ML)

96 DE / 95 WS / 94 VM / 94 JD / 94-95 JS / 94 WCI / 93 JA / 92 WA / 17+ JR

Potent on the nose, the Cabernet speaking with herbal tones, some minty freshness, aniseed, vanilla and cedar. Crystalline and pristine handling of the fruit, it's so smooth and succulent, not so crisp perhaps but on the edge - strikingly clean, and very pure. Feels effortless to drink, still has concentration but a lovely easy juicines combined with grip from the well integrated tannins makes this a joy to drink. I love the cool touches, the slightly bitter, dark chocolate liquorice elements. Refined and restrained with elegance throughout, not overpowering, still with a wide finish that suggests a large structure but graceful. I love this kind of wine - one that offers a lot of pleasure and isn't too hard to think about. A great buy!-Georgina Hindle, Decanter

Dark, winey, structured and very Pauillac, this is laden with cassis and blackberry puree flavors scored by charcoal and warm earth, with tobacco and cast iron notes. Very long, focused and seriously well-built finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2027 through 2040.—J.M., Wine Spectator

The 2020 Haut-Batailley was opened for a good hour before I commenced penning my note. This will be matured for 14 months in 60% new oak. It gently unfolds in the glass to reveal blackberry, faint sea spray scents (a whiff of the old Gironde estuary) and just a touch of crushed stone. This is well defined though not powerful. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins on the entry that frame the bright blackberry and raspberry fruit. This Pauillac conveys superb energy, especially toward the Japanese nori-infused finish, awakening and revivifying the senses. It is a classically sculpted and very harmonious Haut-Batailley that will give 25–30 years of drinking pleasure, but should be cellared for 5–6 years. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

The Grand Vin 2020 Château Haut-Batailley is a step up and checks in as 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot. This medium to full-bodied, ripe, layered, elegant Pauillac has lots of classic Cabernet darker currant fruits, some chocolate, leafy herb, and damp earth nuances, a great mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It already offers pleasure yet will evolve for 15-20 years. - Jeb Dunnuck

This is really minerally and stony with lots of chewy tannins. Medium-to full-bodied with a clean, fresh finish. Very classic Pauillac. Salty at the end with bitter citrus. - James Suckling

Cigar box, menthol, cocoa, blackberries, smoke, cedar, and tobacco notes are close to being on full display. Creamy and supple on the palate, the wine is fresh, polished and requires only a few years in the cellar before it is ready to go. The wine blends 62% Cabernet Sauvignon with 38% Merlot. Drink from 2027-2050.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider

Great balance and depth, beautiful character of cassis, crayon, cruhed rock, slate and ink with juicy bleuberry underneath, great quality wine with real Pauillac character, brushed with a softer edge. Julien Galland technical director as of this vintage. 60% new oak. Harvest September 14 to 29, with fruit from 22ha of vines.-Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

The 2020 Haut-Batailley is rich and demonstrative, offering up aromas of blackberries and cherries framed by sweet spices, smoke and new oak. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it's broad and expansive, with more overt ripeness, body and texture than was formerly the case for this estate.--William Kelley, The Wine Advocate

Tasted blind. Very dark crimson. Pure, lightly spiced dark fruit. Powerfully built on the palate for the long term but the harmony is there for it to age well. Chewy, complete. For the moment at least, bit abrupt on the finish, tied up in the tannins.-Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson