Château Haut-Batailley 1999

Although this 1999 is pinched and compressed in the finish, it offers elegant, sweet/spicy black currant fruit intermixed with notions of toast, cedar, and dried herbs. This medium-bodied Pauillac is best consumed during its first decade of life.

Fresh and vivid red, with floral and berry character throughout. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a focused, clean aftertaste. A fine claret. Best after 2004. 9,165 cases made.

Mid-crimson. Slightly blueish. Relatively light on the nose. Oddly smooth at first, then rather aggressive tannins on the finish. A bit out of balance. Too light to be ever really exciting? (JR)

Bright medium red. Aromatically expressive nose of redcurrant, cherry, leather, licorice and fresh herbs. Supple and modestly sweet, with lively acidity and moderate depth. On the lean side, without quite enough fat to completely buffer its slightly drying tannins. Will evolve in the short to medium term.

Relatively pale colour, bright garnet with the first subtle signs of ageing on the rim. The nose shows no primary fruit anymore, with vegetal hints, dried celery peels, a mushroomy fragrance and a touch of dried lovage. On the palate, surprisingly juicy, with a supple texture and lovely Médoc earthy notes on the finish. More of a classic, perhaps a little too light.

00: Medium wine-red colour, markedly lighter at the rim. Very spicy, more terroir-driven bouquet; a plum note with a gentle floral touch. On the palate, quite juicy, traditional core flavours, a medium-bodied wine with a subtle bitter walnut note on the finish (16/20). 05: Relatively light colour, bright garnet with the first fine hints of ageing at the rim. No primary fruit showing on the nose anymore; vegetal hints, dried celery peel, mushroom aroma, a touch of dried lovage. On the palate, surprisingly juicy, supple texture, lovely Médoc earthy notes on the finish. More of a classic, perhaps a little too light (16/20). On Pentecost Friday in Vitznau. At first artisanal, almost earthy, becoming fruitier with air. 16/20 drink – 2015

Light, fragrant bouquet with notes of cedar and tobacco. Elegant, light palate with fine aromatics and few, but good-quality tannins. Long finish. 17/20 Drink – 2016

Deep red colour. Good intensity. Lively. Medium-intensity nose. Fruity and smooth. A gentle attack, then the wine unfolds with tenderness on a medium-bodied palate and a silky mouthfeel. The whole has flavour and develops smoothly, with enveloping tannins and a good length with a subtle liquorice note. A meticulously crafted wine that goes down effortlessly.