Dark, winey, structured, and very Pauillac, this is laden with cassis and blackberry puree flavors scored by charcoal and warm earth, with tobacco and cast iron notes. Very long, focused, and seriously well-built finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2027 through 2040.

The Grand Vin 2020 Château Haut-Batailley is a step up and checks in as 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot. This medium to full-bodied, ripe, layered, elegant Pauillac has lots of classic Cabernet darker currant fruits, some chocolate, leafy herb, and damp earth nuances, a great mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It already offers pleasure yet will evolve for 15-20 years.

The 2020 Haut-Batailley, matured in 60% new oak for 14 months, has a vivacious nose with mint-infused blackberry and raspberry fruit, and a light pencil lead note underneath. Certainly one of the more intense aromatics in Pauillac with disarming purity. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a wonderful bead of acidity keeping it tensile throughout. There's a sweet core of plummy fruit and hints of orange rind towards the finish that contains plenty of energy. Excellent.