Haut Batailley 2019 (750ML)

93 Points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate: "A fine effort from this cru classé located between Lynch-Bages, Forts de Latour and Pichon Lalande, the 2019 Haut-Batailley offers up aromas of minty berries, loamy soil, violets, cedar and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, succulent palate with a pretty core of fruit, lively acids and powdery structuring tannins. This is the second vintage produced by the Cazes family since their acquisition of the château in 2017." 04/22

93-95 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2019 Haut-Batailley, now of course part of the Cazes family's portfolio, is nicely detailed on the nose with blood orange and even a touch of marmalade tincturing the black fruit. The palate is very intense on the entry, the fruit remarkably pure with fine-grain tannins. This is a Haut-Batailley with ambition: very harmonious with touches of white pepper and cedar towards the finish. Is this a harbinger for things to come? I hope so." 6/20

94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2019 Haut-Batailley is a potent, muscular Pauillac that will need a few years in bottle, at a minimum, to be at its best. There's real presence and depth here, but all the wine's energy feels like it is focused inward. Dark red/purplish fruit, leather, menthol, spice and wild flowers fill out the layers as this broad, ample Pauillac shows off its distinctive personality. Readers should be in no rush." 02/22

95 Points, James Suckling: "This is linear and tight with blue fruit and fine tannins. Some graphite and lead pencil, too. Medium to full body with very Pauillac sensibility. Delicate, yet structured. Restrained. Needs time to open. 76% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2026." 02/22

92 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "The third vintage under the Cazes ownership, and happy to see that they maintain a style that is distinct from Lynch Bages, one than emphasizes the elegance that Cabernet Sauvignon can give over the power and concentration of Bages. This has a touch of rusticity on the tannins, with an unfussy elegance, some delicious juicy cassis fruits and a ton of Pauillac character." 5/20