95pts James Suckling

Aromas of blackberry, cocoa, oyster shell, graphite and black tea. Lead pencil, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, tight-grained tannins. Structured and intense. Tight and precise. Needs a few years to soften and open.

94pts Jeb Dunnuck

The flagship 2018 Château Haut-Batailley checks in 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot that was brought up in 60% new French oak. It's another deeply hued, classic Pauillac in the vintage that has wonderful purity as well as loads of ripe blackberry and currant fruits, medium to full-bodied richness, beautiful aromas and flavors of graphite, cedarwood, and tobacco, building yet polished tannins, background oak, and a great finish. This pure, classic Pauillac needs 7-8 years of bottle age (it will certainly offer pleasure earlier) and will drink fabulously well for over two decades.

94pts Decanter

This is intense and concentrated with beautifully smoked grilled oak notes, clear, precise cassis, blackberry, liquorice and dark chocolate, and a slow, slate finish. Great quality, welcoming and full of character. 60% new oak. A yield of 52 hl/ha. Tasted twice.

Winery Notes

Chateau Batailley, a 5th Cru of the classification of 1855, is Borie-Manoux's and the Casteja-family's flagship. The name is derived from the battle ("bataille") that took place where the chateau and vineyard are today during the 100-years war around 1453. In this battle, the French re-conquered the neighbouring Chateau Latour from the English, a crucial point for ending the 300 year long reign of the English in Aquitaine. In the 16th century, the first vines were planted on these historical grounds.