Chateau Haut Batailley 2021

WEINWISSER: "70 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 % Merlot, 13,12 Vol.-%, IPT 77. Feingliedriges Bouquet mit roter Kirsche, frischem Johannisbeernektar und zartem Flieder. Am geradlinig fleischigen Gaumen mit weicher Textur, nerviger Rasse, engmaschigem Tanningerüst und drahtigem Körper. Im gebündelt fein aromatischen Finale rotbeerige Konturen, helles Graphit und fein körnige Adstringenz. Kann noch zulegen."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "The wine's freshness is impressive both in the aroma and flavors. It is rich while also refined and structured. Tannins and blackberry abound in equal quantities. Drink from 2028."

JAMES SUCKLING: "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."

DECANTER: "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."

JEB DUNNUCK: "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+."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Reife Zwetschkenfrucht, dunkle Waldbeeren, ein Hauch von Herzkirschen, kandierte Orangenzesten. Saftig, reife Kirschen, zarte Süße, präsente Tannine, mineralisch, zart nach Nougat, aber auch etwas blättrig im Finale."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Tobacco, leafy herbs, espresso, licorice, smoke, chocolate and black cherries form the perfume. The palate is medium-bodied, chewy, fresh and savory, with a touch of herbs and olives that accompany the red plums in the mid-palate and in the finish. The wine blends 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. Drink from 2026-2045."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "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."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the 2021 Haut-Batailley has a deep garnet-purple color. It comes bounding out with cheerful notes of fresh blackberries and black raspberries, leading to hints of pencil shavings, violets, and crushed rocks. The light to medium-bodied palate has compelling energy and tension, with lightly chewy tannins and finishes on a fruity note."

WINE SPECTATOR: "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."