Château Haut-Batailley : Verso 2022

There's a slight high tone up front, with candied violet and cherry notes backed by somewhat darker currant, bay leaf and cast-iron accents, which then carry through to the pleasantly rustic finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2036.

Intensely fragrant, dark chocolate and blackcurrant. Smooth and supple, lively with good energy and a sharp, fresh and cool tang to the acidity which really makes this quite forward and vibrant. Still sleek with tension and focus, it’s not plush at all, the tannins are fine and slender with definition. Good concentration, acidity, and approachability. Lean but bright, forward and fun! 88IPT. 3.65pH. Ageing 12 months in one-year-old barrels. Harvest 20 September - 27 September.

The 2022 Verso de Haut-Batailley has a very odd nose, with myself and several others noting a semblance to Zinfandel, which I suspect was not the original intention. I personally would not go that far, though I see where they are coming from. The palate is medium-bodied, sweet 'n sour, with a touch of black tea on the finish. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.

Medium-bodied, forward, round, supple, peppery, and creamy, the wine offers all of its ripe, sweet, fresh currants with ease. Drink this over the next decade or so. Drink from 2025-2033. 88-90 Pts.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, broad ochre rim. Fresh sweet cherries, a hint of liquorice, a touch of fig, light nougat. Full-bodied, some currants on the palate, ripe tannins, subtle structure, savoury with a fine fruitiness on the finish.

Very floral, the 2022 Château Haut-Batailley Verso has beautiful black raspberry and cassis-like notes as well as hints of spicy wood and violet, medium to full body, a rounded, layered mouthfeel, and a great finish.

Classic 2022 vintage, with its rich, supple, deeply fruited character, plenty of power and spice, exotic spice of cumin and sandalwood. A flash of heat also reflects the vintage. 15% new oak.

Violet and fruit pâte contribute to a particularly charming nose. The freshness and tenderness of the texture are satin-like. Very pleasing and lively, with a mineral finish.

Deep, intense, vibrant colour. Very aromatic nose, with fruit that is both fresh and ripe. A lively touch. Juicy from the attack, very flavourful through the mid-palate, the wine unfolds with fine richness and savoury energy, leading to a finish with slightly firm tannins, but without any hardness.