Chateau Haut Batailley Chateau Haut Batailley

2014 Chateau Haut-Batailley

By Chateau Haut-Batailley

2014 Chateau Haut-Batailley from Chateau Haut-Batailley, Pauillac, Bordeaux

The 2014 vintage from the venerable estates of Bordeaux presented a somewhat capricious narrative, sparkling with potential yet marred by climatic caprice. Notably, the 2014 Chateau Haut-Batailley from Chateau Haut-Batailley emerged triumphantly despite the vicissitudes of the season, embodying resilience and charm that calls to the astute wine investor and aficionado alike.

 

Navigating the Climate's Whimsy: A Testament to Terroir

One cannot ignore the climatic ballet of 2014—a year that flirted with disaster yet ultimately curtsied gracefully before potential. Favourable conditions in September were crucial for the Cabernet Sauvignon-led blends of Pauillac. It is here that 2014 Chateau Haut-Batailley stands as a testament to the poise and adaptability inherent in its terroir. Warm autumnal sunshine nurtured the fruit to its concinnity and ripeness, saving a harvest that could have easily drifted into obsolescence but for the seasoned vigilance of its vintners.

 

Complexity Cloaked in Charisma: The Vintage's Voice

Sampling the 2014 Chateau Haut-Batailley, one discerns an opening bouquet rife with blackcurrants and subtle oak nuances, trailing towards hints of pencil shavings—echoing Pauillac’s classic imprint. The palate greets with structured tannins aligned with dark berry notes converging into a finish both persistent and poised. A svelte complexity underpins this offering from Chateau Haut-Batailley—deliberately balanced, neither aggressive nor sotto voce, with a potential for cellar blossoming seducing collectors and drinkers to patient maturation.

In terms of investment potential, market movements incline towards recognition of the prowess contained within this particular vintage's confines. With critics noting its exemplary performance despite difficult beginnings, placing faith in its ascendancy over time has become more than mere speculation—it is an educated entrustment.

The world of fine wines privileges those vintages that tell an inspiring story, and there is indeed something immanent about 2014—which seemed inclined towards mediocrity yet was ultimately beckoned to greatness. Thus denotes the essence of this vintage from Chateau Haut-Batailley; it is a tale woven deep into the weave of weather and wine, emerging vigorous notwithstanding mother nature’s ambivalence—a compelling chapter for those poised to appreciate its unfolding.

Current market price

£390.00

12x75cl

Highest score

92

POP score

32.5

Scores and tasting notes

91-93

No tasting note available.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate

91-92

No tasting note available.

James Suckling - Jamesuckling.com (04/2015)

92

No tasting note available.

Tim Atkin - TimAtkin.com (04/2015)

92

The 2014 Haut Batailley has a very subtle bouquet, one that bided its time in the glass and then unfolded with scents of blackberry, briary, pencil box and light graphite scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, moderate weight, classic and perhaps conservative in style. Yet the harmony is just wonderful and it slips down the throat almost too easily. As such, I feel this is a more approachable Haut-Batailley compared to other vintages, yet it has the body to reward three of four years of bottle age.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2017

88-91

No tasting note available.

Wine Spectator - The Wine Spectator

Vintage performance