Haut Batailley 2005

Deep, fragrant and supple fruit for Pauillac, lovely concentration, suavity and depth, a touch of chocolate, smooth, rich yet fresh. Drink 2010-25.

Restrained ripeness, very little revealed. On the palate a velvet carpet of fruit and spice, beautifully engaging with silken tannins. Very fine. Drink from 2015. Awarded 5 stars.

Came 78th out of 184 wines

Proprietor Xavier Borie has turned out a beautiful silky-textured Pauillac revealing classic creme de cassis, licorice, and tar-like characteristics interwoven with cedar and roasted herb notes. Medium-bodied and elegant, it is more St.-Julien-like in personality than Pauillac. But who’s complaining? This 2005 will provide lovely drinking in its youth, yet age well for 15 or more years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025

One of the finest Haut-Batailleys I have tasted in many years, Xavier Borie has ratcheted up the quality at this estate. Always one of the most St.-Julien-like of the Pauillacs, the 2005 exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue, a sweet bouquet of mulberries, black currants, licorice, tar, and flowers, medium to full body, and an elegant, pure personality with a luscious texture as well as a silky finish (atypical for this vintage). Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024.

As usual, the 2005 Haut-Batailley resembles a St.-Julien more than a Pauillac. It possesses a deep plum/ruby color as well as a sweet nose of raspberries, black currants, spice, and oak. Elegant, medium-bodied, and made in a less powerful, structured style than most 2005s, it should hit its peak in 5-6 years, and last for 15 or more.

The Château Haut-Batailley 2005 has a ripe, almost candied bouquet with small red cherries, hints of marmalade, quince and wild heather, as usual very well defined and gaining intensity all the time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a gentle grip in the mouth, understated but reassuringly classic in style with a delicate brush of tobacco and sous bois on the finish. Enjoy this Pauillac over the next 20 years.

Aromas of crushed berry, spice and light toasted oak. Licorice galore. Full-bodied, with velvety texture and a long, caressing finish. Another 2000.

Mid crimson. Fragrant. Lively cassis syrup. The acid and tannins are a bit jagged at this stage. Awkward rather than a pleasure. 13%Drink 2023-2040

Very dark crimson. Light nose but all in balance. Very opulent start - tea leaves - all texture rather than flavour at the moment but a very flattering texture. Needs quite a time to knit but the tannins are very well hidden. Drink 2015-2027. Date tasted 18 Feb 09.

First year of the new vat-house. Great deep colour. Very pure ripe fruit - lots of polished fruit without particularly obvious oak influence. Extreme sweetness on the front palate. A little bit obvious. Well made but slightly pinched tannins on the finish. Quite perceptible heat on the finish. Almost black cherries. A slightly animal raw note. Drink 2012-18