The second wine of Haut-Batailley, the 2020 Château Haut-Batailley Verso is a 60/40 split of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that hit 13.7% natural alcohol and a pH of 3.81. It has a ripe, Merlot-dominated nose of black cherries, licorice, gravelly earth, and melted chocolate as well as medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. It's one satisfying, textured, balanced Pauillac to enjoy over the coming 10-12 years.
91 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2023)
Deep ruby red in colour, attractive smoky oak, sappy cloves, liqourice and grilled black pepper, with cassis, fine tannins and good lift on the finish. 37hl/h yield. No new oak.
91 points, Jane Anson (Jan 2024)
The 2020 Verso, bottled after 12 months in barrel, has clearly come out of its shell since I tasted it from barrel. This gushes from the glass with red cherries and crushed strawberry fruit, touches of dark plum and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, very pure with a touch of cracked black pepper and graphite towards the nicely proportioned finish. Very fine.
90 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Feb 2023)
Enticing, with an open feel combined with a good depth of blackberry and black currant fruit flavors, lined with singed balsam wood and tobacco hints. Ends with a perfumed, old-school feel. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2033.
90 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2023)
Powerful ripe berry fruits, with layers of fine tannins that are pretty angular at this stage. As the wine opens, aniseed, fennel and spice notes come through. This is an enjoyable wine with personality. 3.81pH, no new oak. A yield of 40hl/ha.
90 points, Decanter (Apr 2021)
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