The Château Haut-Batailley 2005 has a ripe, almost candied bouquet with small red cherries, hints of marmalade, quince and wild heather, as usual very well defined and gaining intensity all the time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a gentle grip in the mouth, understated but reassuringly classic in style with a delicate brush of tobacco and sous bois on the finish. Enjoy this Pauillac over the next 20 years.

Medium red-ruby. Ripe, smoky aromas of plum and caramel; this smells opulent! Fat and sweet in the mouth, with a slightly roasted character to the supple plum and leather flavors. In a heavier style than the 2006 but with a reasonably fine-grained texture. Finishes with dusty tannins. I find this less refined than the 2006, but there's more material and ripeness here.

Narrow rimmed dark red; sweet early bouquet; very nicely balanced, fresh, supple middleweight Pauillac; crisply sweet, moderately complex, stylish, fine textured claret, with very nice fruit length. Deliciously fresh and not overly tannic claret. First rate beverage wine. Excellent value. Now – 25

Drink 2010-2024
-Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide No 7

Proprietor Xavier Borie has turned out a beautiful silky-textured Pauillac revealing classic creme de cassis, licorice, and tar-like characteristics interwoven with cedar and roasted herb notes. Medium-bodied and elegant, it is more St.-Julien-like in personality than Pauillac. But who’s complaining? This 2005 will provide lovely drinking in its youth, yet age well for 15 or more years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.

Very dark crimson. Light nose but all in balance. Very opulent start – tea leaves – all texture rather than flavour at the moment but a very flattering texture. Needs quite a time to knit but the tannins are very well hidden. (JR)