Château HAUT-BATAILLEY 2016
In Pauillac, Château Haut-Batailley occupies a terroir of deep gravel located in the southern part of the appellation, close to several historic Médoc crus. Fifth Grand Cru Classé in 1855, the estate long belonged to the Borie family before being acquired in 2017 by the Cazes family, owners notably of Château Lynch-Bages. The 2016 vintage therefore belongs to the last period preceding this change of ownership and fully retains the classic style that then characterized the estate. Cabernet Sauvignon naturally dominates the blend and finds in the gravelly soils of Pauillac the necessary conditions to develop finesse, structure, and great length. Merlot brings more flesh and suppleness, while Cabernet Franc completes the ensemble with a more floral and spicy expression. Haut-Batailley is traditionally distinguished by an elegant interpretation of Pauillac, with a less massive framework than some neighboring crus but a beautiful aromatic precision. The 2016 vintage, particularly successful in the Médoc, combines complete maturity, freshness, and remarkable tannic quality.
Château Haut-Batailley 2016 blends 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of the wine with an expression of blackcurrant, graphite, and cedar, while Merlot adds more roundness and depth to the mid-palate. Cabernet Franc complements to enhance aromatic finesse and freshness. The harvest is conducted parcel by parcel to respect differences in maturity and preserve the precision of the different lots. Vinification favors measured extraction, adapted to the tannin quality of the vintage, to maintain an elegant mouthfeel. Aging in French oak barrels then gradually supports the wine's structure and refines its texture. After about ten years in bottle, the 2016 begins to gain complexity while still retaining a good reserve for prolonged evolution.
The color shows a deep garnet with still strong ruby reflections. The nose opens on blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, then develops nuances of violet, graphite, and cedar. With aeration, notes of blond tobacco, licorice, cocoa, and fine spices gradually appear. The palate is distinguished by a precise attack and elegant structure, with fine tannins now well integrated. Cabernet Sauvignon brings length and persistent freshness, while Merlot softens the body and gives it more velvety texture. The finish is long and balanced, on black fruits, graphite, spices, and a discreet smoky nuance. Château Haut-Batailley 2016 will accompany a roasted rack of lamb, a beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, pigeon, duck breast, or veal with morels.
Grape varieties: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc
