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Haut Batailley 2005

Pauillac, Fifth Growth

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Tasting Notes

Tasted at a vertical tasting at the château. The 2005 Haut Batailley obviously has a more intense bouquet than the 2004 with blackberry, wild hedgerow and cold gravel scents. It is still quite tight, but there is very fine precision here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, ripe earthy black fruit. It is actually more approachable than I was expecting for a 2005 having loosened its tie in recent years. There is great depth here and fine mineralité, completing what is a classy and sophisticated Pauillac that should repay further bottle age. Chapeau! Published: Jun 30, 2017

Score: 92

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2017 - 2035 30 June 2017

An excellent wine from Xavier Borie, the 2005 Haut-Batailley displays plenty of silky blackcurrant fruit along with notes of licorice and incense, as well as some nice underbrush and unsmoked cigar tobacco. Medium-bodied and lush, with lovely purity, this beautiful wine should drink well for another 15-20 years.

Score: 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2015-2035 29 June 2015

Proprietor Xavier Borie has turned out a beautiful silky-textured Pauillac revealing classic creme de cassis, licorice, and tar-like characteristics interwoven with cedar and roasted herb notes. Medium-bodied and elegant, it is more St.-Julien-like in personality than Pauillac. But who’s complaining? This 2005 will provide lovely drinking in its youth, yet age well for 15 or more years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.

Score: 89

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2010-2025 30 April 2008

One of the finest Haut-Batailleys I have tasted in many years, Xavier Borie has ratcheted up the quality at this estate. Always one of the most St.-Julien-like of the Pauillacs, the 2005 exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue, a sweet bouquet of mulberries, black currants, licorice, tar, and flowers, medium to full body, and an elegant, pure personality with a luscious texture as well as a silky finish (atypical for this vintage). Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024.

Score: 90 - 92

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2010-2024 30 April 2007

As usual, the 2005 Haut-Batailley resembles a St.-Julien more than a Pauillac. It possesses a deep plum/ruby color as well as a sweet nose of raspberries, black currants, spice, and oak. Elegant, medium-bodied, and made in a less powerful, structured style than most 2005s, it should hit its peak in 5-6 years, and last for 15 or more.

Score: 88 - 90

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2006

First year of the new vat-house. Great deep colour. Very pure ripe fruit - lots of polished fruit without particularly obvious oak influence. Extreme sweetness on the front palate. A little bit obvious. Well made but slightly pinched tannins on the finish. Quite perceptible heat on the finish. Almost black cherries. A slightly animal raw note.

Score: 16

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2012-2018 10 April 2006

This Classed Growth is run by the talented Xavier Borie of Grand Puy Lacoste who produces wines with classic Cabernet Sauvignon character. The 2005 in fact uses the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon ever - 78%, with 22% Merlot. Very classic nose with lots of mint, blackberry and cedar. The palate is a terrific expression of exceptionally ripe Cabernet - pure and well-defined with coffee and spice notes on the powerful finish. Broad and impressive in structure with a very smooth texture.

Score: -

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2006

Aromas of crushed berry, spice and light toasted oak. Licorice galore. Full-bodied, with velvety texture and a long, caressing finish. Another 2000.

Score: 92 - 94

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 January 1900