Ch Haut-Batailley, Pauillac 2018

95 points James Suckling
"I can’t remember a Haut-Batailley this tannic, yet the tannins are savory and very ripe with beauty and purity. Full-bodied, chewy tannins and a long and intense finish."

94 points 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."

94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"Blended of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot aging in 60% new barriques, the 2018 Haut Batailley is very deep purple-black in color and takes some coaxing to reveal profound notes of dark chocolate, crème de cassis, blueberry pie and anise with waves of raspberry pie, lavender and Indian spices. Full, very tightly would and jam-packed with layers of crunchy black and blue fruits, it has a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing long with a mineral hint coming through."

94 points Wine Spectator
"Juicy, fresh and nicely compact, with sleek iron along the edges of a core of steeped plum and cassis fruit flavors. Subtle tugs of savory, tobacco and cedar through the finish, with a last, lingering perfumed whiff of dark tea. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2024 through 2038."

Jancis Robinson
"Tasted blind. Some rather exotic spice on the nose. Rich start melds into massive tannic structure. Bodes well for the future though there is no shortage of alcohol on this wine! 18/20 points."

Vinous Reverie Notes
Chateau Haut-Batailley is a Left Bank Bordeaux wine property that was originally part of Chateau Batailley, a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Classification. The 22 hectares of Chateau Haut-Batailley are on a gently sloping outcrop at the southern edge of Pauillac. They are planted with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc on exceptional soils of deep gravel and alluvial stones. This ensures excellent drainage of rainwater and encourages deep roots. The average age of the vines is 35 years old.