12 Bottles of Chateau Haut Batailley 1995 in Open Original Wooden Case, Pauillac, Bordeaux. 5emecruclasse

Fill Level - Mid Neck (11), Low Neck (1). Label Missing (1)

Following my previous encounter with the 1995 Haut Batailley, I was optimistic about its maturation in bottle. When François-Xavier Borie poured an example following a vertical at Grand Puy-Lacoste...well, that view was vindicated. This is perhaps an unheralded wine of a strong vintage. It has a generous bouquet with vibrant red berry fruit that cocks a snook at the 2000 Haut Batailley that was poured alongside. Mulberry and leather at first, undergrowth emerging with time. The palate might be a little smudged on the entry but there is impressive weight and concentration, superb balance and real structure on the finish to suggest that it will give 20+ years of pleasure. This is worth seeking out at its secondary market prices and probably more attractive than many of its peers. Tasted July 2016. Drink Date 2016 - 2035 - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate - 91 Points.

Sourced from an impeccable private cellar in an openend original wooden case.