1995 Haut Batailley
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Tasting notes
Following my previous encounter with the 1995 Haut Batailley, I was optimistic about its maturation in bottle. When François-Xavier Borie poured an example following a vertical at Grand Puy-Lacoste...well, that view was vindicated. This is perhaps an unheralded wine of a strong vintage. It has a generous bouquet with vibrant red berry fruit that cocks a snook at the 2000 Haut Batailley that was poured alongside. Mulberry and leather at first, undergrowth emerging with time. The palate might be a little smudged on the entry but there is impressive weight and concentration, superb balance and real structure on the finish to suggest that it will give 20+ years of pleasure. This is worth seeking out at its secondary market prices and probably more attractive than many of its peers. Tasted July 2016.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Rather light, refreshing nose but no great depths. Classic, mineral, dry finish, Nice beginning, middle and end. Fine tannins. A very neat wine (which won less support from other tasters). (JR)
Wonderful aromas of citrus fruit, blackberry and currant. Full-bodied, with Port-like flavors and chewy tannins. Super well-structured. Needs time to come together.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2009. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2007.
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.