1975 Haut Batailley
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Tasting notes
For the reds, the restaurant allowed corkage on a bottle of 1975 Haut-Batailley. Left Bank wines born in this vintage have a propensity to be tannic and very austere. This, plus the fact that in this era, Haut-Batailley was a rather down-at-heel estate, meant that my hopes for this Pauillac were tempered. Well, blow me down if this bottle didn’t exemplify everything I love about proper mature claret! Clear in color with just a little bricking, it sported an elegant tobacco and autumn leaf bouquet, thankfully replete with more residual fruit than other 1975s I have encountered, maybe even compared to Grand Puy Lacoste. The palate is well balanced, mellow and harmonious. There is nothing complex or profound; it’s what you might call an “honest” mature Pauillac that is comfortable in itself. It passed the crucial test: the bottle was polished off in no time at all. If you happen to find an example with sound provenance, then it comes highly recommended.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The astringency of the 1975 vintage has given this wine atypical backbone and firmness, especially for a Haut-Batailley. A dark ruby color with just a trace of amber is followed by a wine that has a ripe, plummy, open-knit bouquet dominated by the smell of cedar and herbs. Medium bodied, with moderate tannins, adequate depth and texture, this is a dull 1975. Anticipated maturity: Now
The astringency of the 1975 vintage has given this wine atypical backbone and firmness, especially for a Haut-Batailley. A dark ruby color with just a trace of amber is followed by a wine that has a ripe, plummy, open-knit bouquet dominated by the smell of cedar and herbs. Medium bodied, with moderate tannins, adequate depth and texture, this is a dull 1975. Anticipated maturity: Now Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
The Cazes family – owners of Lynch-Bages and Ormes de Pez – purchased Haut-Batailley in 2017. They’ve embarked on a significant replanting programme, and exciting things are likely to come from this address with its new backing.