Château Haut-Batailley : Verso 2023

Really quite ripe notes on the nose, good aromatics, quite plummy. Nice weight on the palate, supple, good energy and acidity, a little lean and straight but enjoyable acidity gives lift and there are lots of freshly picked red berries and crunchy freshness. Ends a touch powdery and salty which is enjoyable. No Petit Verdot in the blend as it all went into the grand vin. 3.52 pH.

Cedar, tobacco leaf, and black currants form the core of the wine on the nose and on the medium-bodied, vibrant, crisp palate. Drink this over the next decade or so. Drink from 2026–2036. 89–91 pts.

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Delicately floral heart cherry, a hint of oak, some cassis. Medium body, fine red cherry fruit, vivid tannins, fresh structure, salty, some nougat on the finish.

This has plum and black cherry compote notes that show a buried juicy edge while singed vanilla bean and tobacco add depth through the finish. Modest range but solidly built. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2027 through 2033.

A blend of 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Verso is charming and perfumed, offering aromas of spices, dark berries, rose petals and flowers. Moderately weighted and juicy, it is round and textured, framed by structuring, velvety tannins and concluding with a pencil-shavings-inflected finish.