Château Haut-Batailley : Verso 2017

The core of steeped plum and black cherry flavors is infused with light mesquite, black tea and tobacco hints. Shows good range and typicity, but remains a bit shy on stuffing in the end. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2026.

Vibrant nose of fresh dark berry fruit with touches of dark chocolate dust. Enjoyable succulence and sweetness on the palate, with a harmonious freshness.

Tasted blind. Deep ruby colour. Lots of cedar and camphor on a predominantly savoury nose. Fresh red-berry fruit on the palate. Steely acidity fights for attention with the fruit, masking some of its power. The tannins are fine and powdery, lingering with cedar tones on the finish. (TP)

The 2017 Verso de Haut-Batailley is plump and rich in the glass, with lovely depth and tons of near-term appeal. Dark cherry, chocolate, spice, new leather and earthy notes meld together in this pliant, open-knit Pauillac. Drink it over the next handful of years.

The second wine of Haut-Batailley, the 2017 Chateau Haut-Batailley Verso, is a blend of 60/40 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot aged in used barrels. It has lots of juicy cherry and cassis notes as well as plenty of tobacco and cedary herbs, medium body, juicy acidity, light tannins, and a clean, classy finish. It’s a classy second wine I’d be happy to drink any time over the coming 10–12 years.

The arrival of the Cazes family at Haut-Batailley marked the first time there was an officially recognised second wine at the estate — there had been a selection under the Borie family, but nothing bottled every year. It highlights the refined, elegant side of this château; not quite at the leather-and-old-books stage yet, but heading towards softly crushed strawberry purée and fine tannins, even a touch of oyster shell. A great moment to drink it right now. 25% of production. No new oak.

The 2017 Verso from Haut-Batailley is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot and has a medium to deep garnet color. It leaps with open-knit notions of crushed black plums, boysenberries, and mulberries, plus suggestions of dried herbs and damp soil. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers crunchy black fruit, with savory accents and a soft texture, finishing with a compelling burst of freshness.

First vintage of this second wine, created after the estate was acquired by the Cazes family. It offers the indulgence and roundness of a cuvée that is already approachable, yet can be laid down for a few years. Very seductive.

Verso’s bouquet first reveals region-typical notes of graphite followed by black berries. On the palate, the wine has good body. It is well supported by fine-grained tannins and its structure. Balanced and fresh character. A classic wine that can already be enjoyed in its youth.

First vintage. Dark, intense color, slightly evolved. Intense nose with very ripe fruit. Supple on the attack, smooth mid-palate, juicy and even melting, the wine stretches into a very pleasant finish with medium length. Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot.

The new second wine of Haut Batailley, the 2017 Verso, is medium to deep garnet-purple in color and rolls out of the glass with ready-for-business notes of warm black cherries, kirsch and mulberries, plus wafts of cassis and baking spices. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers bags of juicy black fruit with a soft texture and a spicy finish.