Château Haut Batailley, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2016
Jean-Charles' motto this year comes from the Monty Python - "always look on the bright side of life"....for despite 2022 being a year of torment, marked by extreme climatic phenomena… our vines were resilient, giving us an exceptional vintage and a life lesson". Under the ownership of the Cazes family of Lynch Bages, Haut Batailley is in safe hands, however, the 2022 was a bit one dimensional and somewhat outclassed by the exceptional Ormes de Pez. Notes of violets and currants; there is some good tense fruit on the mid-palate, surrounded by quite a formidable tannic structure laced with cassis and graphite. Given recent form, we'd expect this to knit together during élevage, but this didn't give a great showing in late April 2023.
critic reviews
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.