The Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Haut-Batailley is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Merlot that spent 16 months in 70% new barrels. Ripe black fruits, smoky tobacco, chocolate, and liquid violet notes all give way to a dense, full-bodied, concentrated, structured wine that's going to need bottle age. Do your best to hide these in the back of the cellar for a solid 7-8 years if you can, and it’s going to have 30+ years of overall longevity. It’s a stunning Pauillac, but not for the instant gratification crowd.
95+ points, Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2025)
There’s a very attractive palate to this, showing lead pencil, blackcurrants and granite. Hints of herbs and tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied with creamy tannins and a savory finish. It's firm and lively at the end. Drink after 2028.
95 points, James Suckling (Jan 2025)
The 2022 Haut-Batailley has a wonderfully defined, mineral-driven bouquet with a touch of vibrant black fruit and perhaps more focus than previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp acidity. This elegant Haut-Batailley builds beautifully while retaining tension and poise on the finish. This might be the best vintage to date under the Cazes family.
94 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Feb 2025)
Juicy and fresh, with a mix of red and black currant and cherry notes infused with an iris accent. Shows purity through the iron-tinged finish. An elegantly styled Pauillac that should age gracefully in the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2025 through 2040.
94 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (May 2025)
Deep plum and blackberry fruit, touch of gunsmoke reduction on first opening, softening to show depth and flesh to the fruit. 65% new oak. 41hl/h yield.
93 points, Jane Anson (Mar 2025)
The 2022 Haut-Batailley from the Cazes family is all about dark berries and toasted richness on the nose, with a sweet and smoky substance. There is a sense of charm to the palate though, the fruit dark and savoury, the texture fresh and bright, while the structure which supports it all feels rich, dark and brooding. The bottom of the palate is filled out with dark, savoury and toasted tannins, which ease into a long finish. An impressive Haut-Batailley, from a property which appears to be thriving under its new management.
93 points, Chris Kissack, Wine Independent (Jun 2025)
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