CHÂTEAU HAUT BATAILLEY

The 2017 Haut Batailley, which is matured in 60% new oak for 18 months, is clearly more sophisticated than the second wine, polished by the oak of course but underneath its intense blackberry and boysenberry fruit, quite floral with touches of violet and iris. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, well-integrated oak and very smooth polished finish that glides across the mouth. There is fine precision on the finish. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Drinking range: 2020 - 2032 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2018)

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. 18 months in French oak (60% new). This wine, now made by the Cazes family, will have a brand-new label. Spicy, moreish Cabernet fruit, the tannins firm but already smooth. Dark and spicy on the nose, relatively closed at the moment but the sample is cool. Really fine texture, so elegant. Beautifully fresh and juicy, sustained too and dark-fruited on the finish. Fine balance and fruit intensity. Drinking range: 2027 - 2040 Rating: 17 Julia Harding MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2018)

The first year under the Cazes family, and we can expect big changes over the next few years with an extensive replanting programme planned. But for now, let's look at 2017, where production has been split 33% second wine and 66% grand vin, with no frost to hamper them. It's rich and deep, with a sense of forward motion and flexible tannins pushing the cassis fruit from start to finish, joined by focussed and lively brambled fruits and gentle cedar smoking. The austerity is clear, and it's a little lighter-framed than the Lynch Bages, and very different in personality, but it has real promise and I like it enormously. Expect a new label with the Tour d'Aspic tower and the JM Cazes family name. 60% new oak. Drinking range: 2025 - 2036 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, Decanter (Apr 2018)

A true gem in the vintage, and from an estate on the uptick, the 2017 Château Haut Batailley checks in as 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Merlot that was brought up in 60% new French oak. It’s a big, medium to full-bodied, yet perfectly balanced 2017 that has loads of dark berry fruits, violets, leafy herbs and damp rock-like aromas and flavors. It has a touch of oak to integrate, building tannin, and a great finish, all pointing to a rockstar 2017 that will need short-term cellaring and keep for two decades. Bravo! Rating: 92-94 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (Apr 2018)

This is very structured and serious. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful. Boom. This is one of the best Haut-Batailleys in years. From the new owners, who also own Lynch-Bages. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2018)

This has good currant and damson fruit lined with tobacco and iron notes. Offers slightly dusty tannins but remains fresh and focused overall. Rating: 89-92 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Apr 2018)