2016 Haut Batailley 6 Pack

94 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2016 Haut-Batailley was tasted from two bottles, the first showing a touch of TCA. The second has an airy and well-defined bouquet of blackberry, graphite and subtle floral aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins and very classic in style, displaying impressive grip. I appreciate the substance toward the finish, and the pencil lead lingering on the aftertaste. This is an outstanding Haut-Batailley. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.

94 POINTS

James Suckling

The blackcurrants and blueberries with violets on the nose are fascinating. Full-bodied and very tightly wound with gorgeous tannins and a linear and bright finish. Needs two to four years to come together. Try after 2023.

93 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2016 Haut Batailley can be seen as a transitional wine. The property was sold to the Cazes family at the end of March 2017, so the Borie family made the wines and the Cazes family essentially finished the barrel maturation. As a consequence, the label will probably not be the new design that will adorn vintages henceforth. This has a tightly wound bouquet of blackberry, bilberry and subtle floral notes (pressed iris petals and a touch of violet). The palate is medium-bodied with fine, slightly chalky tannins. What I love about this Haut-Batailley, caught in limbo, is that it responds with so much freshness, vitality and tension, especially on the finish. Excellent.

93 POINTS

James Suckling

This is a wine that shows beautiful fruit on the finish with dark plums and licorice. Firm and chewy tannins, but not overdone. Racy.

92 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter

The Cazes family bought this estate in Spring 2017 and have been responsible for the ageing of this wine, but not its production. This wasn't released en primeur due to the timing of the sale. This is a good quality Pauillac, still very much in the primeur register but now with an appealing openness to the structure that suggests it won't take as long to come into its drinking window as some. Sweet black fruits are joined by gentle, well-worked tannins and a nice freshness. It has an enjoyable, silky texture.

92 POINTS

James Suckling

This is a wine that shows beautiful fruit on the finish with dark plums and licorice. Firm and chewy tannins, but not overdone. Racy. Points: 92-93

Jancis Robinson

Made by Borie and bottled by Cazes (ownership of this property transferred from the Borie family to the Cazes family in 2017). Never released en primeur. Tasted blind. First bottle oxidised. Second bottle: Smooth and very polished. Drawing-room wine. Polished to within an inch of its life – very effectively! Attractive stuff for relatively early drinking. Score: 17.5/20

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The Cazes family, owners of Lynch-Bages, announced their acquisition of Haut Batailley during the en primeur tastings. Because the Cazes did not make the 2016, they opted not to show the wine en primeur . Jean-Charles Cazes told me that it will be offered in bottle at a later date.