Winemaker Notes
The blend of the 2018 vintage includes a higher proportion of Merlot than what has been used in previous vintages. The wines display great concentration and intensity alongside high alcohol. On the finish, seductive velvety elegance and freshness overlays an attractive weave of fine tannins.
Blend: 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot
Press
Rated 95 Points James Suckling
I can’t remember a Haut-Batailley this tannic, yet the tannins are savory and very ripe with beauty and purity. Full-bodied, chewy tannins and a long and intense finish.
Barrel Sample: 94-95
Rated 94 Points Wine Spectator
Juicy, fresh and nicely compact, with sleek iron along the edges of a core of steeped plum and cassis fruit flavors. Subtle tugs of savory, tobacco and cedar through the finish, with a last, lingering perfumed whiff of dark tea. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2024 through 2038.
Rated 94 Points Wine Enthusiast
This is an open style that displays a black fruit flavor and soft tannins. Its berry flavors and ripe fruitiness are full integrated with the spice tone and bright acidity. Look for this wine to age well over the next 10 years.
Barrel Sample: 92-94
Rated 94 Points Decanter
A big-shouldered and muscular wine. This shows a classic Pauillac signature with the full gamut of pencil lead, cigar box, curls of woodsmoke and floral edges. Very good-quality, sappy and juicy also, and will age. Has bedded in nicely over ageing. Drinking Window 2026 - 2038
Rated 94 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Blended of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot aging in 60% new barriques, the 2018 Haut Batailley is very deep purple-black in color and takes some coaxing to reveal profound notes of dark chocolate, crème de cassis, blueberry pie and anise with waves of raspberry pie, lavender and Indian spices. Full, very tightly would and jam-packed with layers of crunchy black and blue fruits, it has a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing long with a mineral hint coming through.
Barrel Sample: 92-94
Rated 94 Points Jeb Dunnuck
The flagship 2018 Château Haut-Batailley checks in 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot that was brought up in 60% new French oak. It's another deeply hued, classic Pauillac in the vintage that has wonderful purity as well as loads of ripe blackberry and currant fruits, medium to full-bodied richness, beautiful aromas and flavors of graphite, cedarwood, and tobacco, building yet polished tannins, background oak, and a great finish. This pure, classic Pauillac needs 7-8 years of bottle age (it will certainly offer pleasure earlier) and will drink fabulously well for over two decades.
