Chateau Haut-Batailley 2012

2012 Pauillac Cinquième Cru Classé

The 2012 Chateau Haut-Batailley is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot. According to the legend the wine was named after the 100-Year War battles that took place on Bordeaux Grand Cru land.

This Pauillac 5e Cru Classe is once more made up of important proportions of really ripe Cabernet Sauvignons. The vintage reveals shiny, deep red hue and a bouquet with intense fruit notes associated with lightly spiced scents. The palate offers elegant and balanced structure; really fresh and fruity. The tannins are smooth and round adding to the charming ensemble that perfectly conveys Chateau Haut-Batailley unique style.

Wine Advocate-Parker :
Tasted at a vertical tasting at the château. The 2012 Haut Batailley has a superior bouquet to the 2011, with more complexity and mineralité, crushed stone intermingling with copious black fruit all with exquisite delineation and focus. There is a strictness here, perhaps borrowed from its half-brother, Grand Puy-Lacoste. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition and focus. There is still some oak to be absorbed but there is plenty of substance on the stylish, sweet finish that is very seductive. This is an excellent wine from François-Xavier Borie, dare I say up there with the 2009 and 2010. It comes highly recommended. Tasted July 2016.