Chateau Haut Batailley 2002

Quite a sleek example, with a good sense of fleshy fruit in a relatively supple frame, this St Julien type of elegant personality is sure to be for immediate consumption. This 2002 bottle remains an attractive quintessential Pauillac, though. The reality is the 2002 Haut Batailley is challenging to come by, so this is a rare chance. Additionally, the price is reasonable as the comments are below average. Finally, of course, it could be a better vintage from Haut Batailley; however, the fruit style of 2002 is pretty preserved with this bottle. We find it pretty and agree with the Farr tasters that it is a 91-point wine.

Commenting on perceived alcohol, J Robinson says straight, 'A bit volatile and jagged. Not fine!'. Awarding it mere 87 points, RP remarks as follows. 'A reasonably successful wine for this vintage showing more of a St.-Julien elegance without the typical power of Pauillac, the wine has a dark plum/ruby colour, a slightly earthy, herb-tinged, raspberry and black currant-scented nose, silky tannins, medium body, and a pleasant finish. Drink it over the next decade. 87 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (158), April 2005. Edited.

Neal Martin says, "Tasted blind at Farr's 2002 Bordeaux tasting. The Haut-Batailley displays a blackberry, graphite and tobacco-scented nose, which, compared to others, lacks some definition and lift. There is ripeness here but a touch of greenness too. Medium-bodied on the palate with a bitter entry, sharp, slightly aggressive tannins with chewy red fruits on the finish. Tasted October 2009.' 87Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, October 2009 Drink 2012-15. Edited.