Deep vibrant plum purple colour, liquorice bud, cassis bud, spiced blackberry and sage, fresh with austerity but balanced by juice running through the palate, well handled. 60% new oak. 3.63 pH, harvest September 25 to October 8. 90% of the estate`s 50 year old vines are in here, plus the more recent Petit Verdot plantings. 92 points

The 2024 Haut-Batailley races across the palate with masses of dark fruit, menthol, licorice, espresso and dried herbs. Floral overtones reappear on the finish, adding a refined touch. Powerful yet polished, the 2024 is quite impressive. This feels a bit less extracted than the first vintages under the leadership of the Cazes family, not a bad thing at all in my view. Very fine. Tasted two times. 93-95 points

The 2024 Haut Batailley was picked from September 25 to October 7 and aged in 60% new oak. This has a light bouquet with graphite-tinged black fruit, but I am seeking more vigor in this Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied with a chewiness on the entry and decent structure, though it feels conservative and strict toward the finish. I need to be more convinced by this—perhaps it will gain a bit more substance by the time of bottling? 90-92 points