The 2021 Haut Batailley is a Bordeaux blend from the esteemed region of Pauillac, France. This red wine, produced by Haut Batailley, exhibits a modern style that has garnered positive reviews from several notable wine critics.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the wine a score of 91, with William Kelley describing it as "medium to full-bodied, supple, and polished, with a succulent core of fruit and delicately chalky tannins." Kelley notes the aromas of cassis, minty blackberries, lilac, and pencil shavings, highlighting the wine's well-balanced composition. An interesting fact mentioned is that all 41 hectares of the vineyard are now under vine as of 2022, promising more of this modern-style Pauillac in the future.
Jane Anson, also giving a score of 91, notes the wine's "angularity to the tannins" and describes it as "savoury and fragrant" with flavors of earth, raspberry leaf, smoked earth, crayon, and pencil lead. Anson emphasizes the cool climate character and the use of 70% new oak for aging, which contributes to the wine's distinct profile.
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider rates the wine slightly higher at 92, noting its "tobacco, leafy herbs, espresso, licorice, smoke, chocolate, and black cherries" aromas. Leve describes the palate as "medium-bodied, chewy, fresh, and savory," recommending the wine for consumption between 2026 and 2045.
Jeb Dunnuck also scores the 2021 Haut Batailley 92, praising its "textbook Pauillac graphite, lead pencil, and tobacco notes" along with "beautiful fruit, medium body, ripe yet present tannins, and a great finish." Dunnuck believes the wine will benefit from 3-5 years of aging and shine over the following 15+ years.
James Suckling gives an excellent review with a score of 93, describing the wine as "juicy and fruity with currants and fresh tobacco aromas and flavors." Suckling highlights its "medium body, fine tannins, and a creamy texture," suggesting it will be even better after 2025.
Vinous, with Antonio Galloni, awarded the highest score of 94, noting the wine's evolution and describing it as "super-classy and refined." Galloni finds the wine "savory, earthy, and expressive," although "a bit closed at this stage."
Decanter, also scoring the wine 93, praises its "open and violet-scented bramble fruits, some smoked cherries, and milk chocolate." The review highlights the wine's "smooth and supple" texture, "generosity of fruit, acidity, and velvety tannins," calling it "extremely approachable even at this stage."
Overall, the 2021 Haut Batailley is a well-regarded Bordeaux blend that promises complexity, elegance, and excellent aging potential.