An attractive nose of creme de cassis, earth and oak jumps from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored wine. A classic, impressive effort from the Casteja family, this 2011 transcends the vintage character, and is an unqualified success as well as a major sleeper of the vintage. Structured, rich, medium to full-bodied, pure and layered, it should be at its finest in 3-4 years, and keep for two decades. Drink 2017-2037.
91+ points – Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #212, April 2014)

An attractive nose of creme de cassis, earth and oak jumps from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored wine. A classic, impressive effort from the Casteja family, this 2011 transcends the vintage character, and is an unqualified success as well as a major sleeper of the vintage. Structured, rich, medium to full-bodied, pure and layered, it should be at its finest in 3-4 years, and keep for two decades.

This year, the 2011 is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon (the highest ever), 11% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc cropped at 38hl/ha between 14th and 26th September. During the growing season they had to undertake two green harvests and also sorted the crop twice. The nose is reticent at first and demands coaxing from the glass. It eventually reveals blackberry, cedar, a touch of oyster shell and just a very faint hint of orange blossom. It is nicely composed, although it does not have the bravura penetration of the 2010 or 2009. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins on the entry. It demonstrates fine weight and cohesion, good substance and depth of fruit whilst the finish is a little sinewy with touches of spice inflecting the blackberry and briary fruit. Fine and unashamedly very classic, as one would expect for Batailley.
90-92 points – April 2012

Slightly grainy in feel, with singed wood spice and espresso notes leading the way, backed by dark mulled fig and blackberry fruit flavors at the core and ending with a tobacco-filled finish. A bit old-school in style. Best from 2015 through 2022.
– James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, March 2014)

This is very fresh currants, minerals and graphite on the nose. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a minty, light wood finish with pretty fruit. 11% Merlot, 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot.
– jamesuckling.com, April 2012

Good medium ruby. Aromas of dark berries, violet and licorice. Sappy, serious and deep, offering nicely delineated flavors of blackberry, spices and fresh herbs. Firmly structured and extremely well balanced, and juicy on the persistent finish. This very pretty wine avoids the green notes typical of the vintage.
– Ian D'Agata (vinous.com, July 2014)

Clean, pure, fresh-sweet ripe fruit; nicely balanced middleweight, without the immediate sweet fruit charm of the Lacoste Borie, and with a firmer, but not excessive, light, dry tannin and softly fresh acidity; freshly ripe and mineral in taste, with moderate complexity, but a very nice gravel and fruit scented length. Pure, gently gravelly, complete Haut Batailley in a lighter style. Drink 2018-2028. [72CS/28M]
– Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2012

Bright dark ruby. Crushed dark berries, vanilla, graphite and a whiff of underbrush on the nose and palate. Offers good texture but I would have liked just a bit more complexity and volume. Finishes with a saline nuance, bright acidity and substantial dusty tannins.

Tasted blind. Rather weak crimson with a weak rim. Light but well-mannered nose and really rather classically styled claret on the palate. Quite a bit of alcohol but otherwise no excesses – apart from quite marked tannins and light dustiness on the end. (JR)