Château Haut Batailley, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2009
Haut Batailley is overseen by the same management, vineyard and consultancy team as Grand Puy Lacoste, and the 2009 is fabulous. It is produced from a 22 hectare site on deep gravel/pebble soils. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. A classic and wonderful Haut Batailley with aromas of pencil shavings, cut flowers, crème de cassis and a beautiful stoney minerality. The palate is awash with vivid black and blue fruits, dark chocolates, and a savoury side with hints of mocha and cured meats. This is wonderfully ripe, with ample lush, svelte fruit, velvety texture, splendid granite tannins and wonderful persistent flavours. Delicious and hopefully one of the best values from 2009...
critic reviews
The 2009 Haut-Batailley is statesmanlike and beautifully defined on the nose with mineral-rich black fruit, Cuban cigar and mint aromas that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, clean and precise yet unequivocally backward and almost surly towards the grippy, saline, mineral-driven finish. This is an outstanding Pauillac in 2009 and undoubtedly this is the best bottle that I have encountered. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.