A rich and balanced Pauillac red wine
The estate
Fifth Grand Cru Classe in the Official Classification of 1855, Chateau Haut-Batailley is a reference among fine Pauillac wines. Its name refers to the word "battle", in memory of the battles that took place on the estate at the end of the Hundred Years' War in the 15th century.
Since 2017, Chateau Haut-Batailley has been run by the Cazes family, who continue the Borie family's legacy which started in 1930 and perpetuate the style and quality of this essential Medoc wine, situated on the left bank of the Bordeaux region.
The vineyard
The terroir of Chateau Haut-Batailley spreads across 40 hectares of vines, 22 of which are under production. The vines are 35 years old on average and are planted on soils composed of deep gravel.
The vintage
Throughout the growing season, 2015 was a year marked by very promising weather conditions. While the heavy rainfall in winter replenished the water reserves, the mild weather favored an early and even budburst. The high temperatures in April were offset by cool nights, all contributing to ideal weather conditions that ensured the vegetative development. Flowering was rapid and even. June and July were hot and particularly dry. The water reserves built up in the spring were beneficial. A few rainy spells at the end of July accelerated the veraison period. The cooler conditions during August and September refined the ripeness and concentrated the sugar levels, while preserving a pleasant aromatic potential. The harvest was carried out under exceptional weather conditions in a perfectly healthy vineyard.
Vinification and aging
The hand-picked grapes are sorted before and after destemming. Long vatting period (3 weeks). The wine is aged in barrels, 60% of which are new.
The blend
Cabernet Sauvignon (72%)
Merlot (28%).
Chateau Haut-Batailley 2015: Characteristics and tasting notes
The tasting
Color
Brilliant, this wine is a beautiful ruby red color.
Nose
The nose combines intense black fruit fragrances with a delicious freshness.
Palate
The palate is seduced by this wine’s fine tannins, its length and its fruity expression. Perfectly balanced, the palate is elegant and harmonious.
The 2015 Haut Batailley is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot, matured in 60% new oak. It was picked between 21 September until 2 October. It is a level up from the 2015 Lacoste Borie with much more fruit intensity: blackberry, boysenberry, tobacco and cedar aromas. It gathers momentum in the glass and develops a subtle mint accent. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, lithe tannin, very well balanced with just a slight tinniness that will disappear by the time in bottle. I love the pencil shaving sprinkled over the aftertaste here. With very good substance and impressive length, this is a classic Pauillac that I suspect will offer 25 or 30 years of pleasure.