Haut Batailley 2021 (750ML)

94 AG / 94 WE / 93 JS / 93 DE / 92 JD / 92 VM / 92 JA / 92 FS / 92 WCI / 91 WA / 90 WS / 16+ JR

The 2021 Haut-Batailley shows an estate in evolution. Aromatic and medium in body, the 2021 is not quite as bombastic as some previous editions, which is a positive. Savory, earthy and expressive, the 2021 also feels a bit closed at this stage. This is a super-classy and refined Pauillac. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Juicy and fruity with currants and fresh tobacco aromas and flavors. Some lead pencil. Medium body. Fine tannins and a creamy texture. Lovely finish. Better after 2025. - James Suckling

Open and violet-scented bramble fruits, some smoked cherries and milk chocolate. Smooth and supple, this has generosity of fruit, acidity and velvety tannins. Round and just so delicious, really very moreish, all in balance with the texture that is both fine as well as plump, giving this total mouth-coating feel with a delicacy but also depth of flavour. Extremely approachable even at this stage with so much life and energy but well controlled too. I love this! The creamy, chalky edges are so appealing, it's by no means a showstopper but for balance, harmony and a lovely fresh and soft and gentle Claret it's delicious. That mint, liquorice ending is great too. Has persistence and length. Eric Boissenot consultant. 3.74pH. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

Much more Cabernet Sauvignon-based, the 2021 Château Haut-Batailley is straight and focused, with textbook Pauillac graphite, lead pencil, and tobacco notes as well as beautiful fruit, medium body, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish. It shows the elegant, seamless style of the vintage and brings enough concentration and structure to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and shine over the following 15+.-Jeb Dunnuck

Bottled at the end of May, the 2021 Haut-Batailley has a well-defined bouquet with briny, seaweed-infused black fruit, certainly demonstrating more concentration and cohesion compared to the Verso at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Fresh and focused, touches of cassis infuse the black fruit with impressive grip, classic in style with a sapid, black olive-tinged finish. Very fine. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

Stands out in the appellation, with density through the mid palate, and Pauillac signature coming through in the pencil lead, graphite and cassis notes. This is a good quality wine with a touch of blackcurrant bud and earth reflecting the cooler temperatures of the year, but plenty of depth and ageing potential. Tasted twice. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

Offering up aromas of cassis, minty blackberries, lilac and pencil shavings, the 2021 Haut-Batailley is medium to full-bodied, supple and polished, with a succulent core of fruit and delicately chalky tannins. For many years, significant parts of this property were left unplanted, but as of 2022, all 41 hectares are now under vine; so, there'll be more of this Pauillac—with its new, more modern style—to go around. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Shows damson plum and black cherry fruit laced with a mouthwatering sanguine thread, while touches of fresh humus, dark tobacco and cast iron peek in on the finish. A touch trim, but has good energy and typicity. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2035. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator