In Bond Fine Wine. 2020 Château Haut Batailley, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. Fifth Growth • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 93/100 (AG). Drinking window: 2025–2042. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Acquired by the Cazes family of Lynch Bages in 2017, Haut Batailley has seen renewed investment in both vineyard and cellar, with quality climbing impressively in recent years. Stylistically, Haut Batailley combines classic Pauillac cassis and graphite with polished tannins, offering both structure and early appeal. It has often been described as one of the best values in the Medoc, consistently punching above its Fifth Growth status. Haut Batailley is a smart buy and a Pauillac estate firmly on an upward trajectory.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 92–94/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 25/05/2021
Also made in a more medium-bodied, elegant style, the Grand Vin 2020 Chateau Haut-Batailley offers a beautiful perfume of both black cherry and darker berry fruits as well as classic Pauillac cedar, chocolate, and leafy herb-like aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, and seamless on the palate, they've done a wonderful job with the tannins, the purity of fruit is spot-on, and t…
Jane Anson (JA) — 93/100 · Inside Bordeaux, 24/01/2024 · Drink 2026-2040
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.
James Suckling (JS) — 94–95/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 23/05/2021
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.