Château Haut-Batailley 1996

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for Château Haut-Batailley 1996

Tasting Notes

Colour
In its youth, this wine reveals a deep ruby hue verging on purple, with beautiful density. Over time, the colour evolves towards more subdued garnet reflections, while retaining an appealing visual purity.

Nose
The bouquet expresses a profile typical of its appellation, blending black fruit aromas such as blackcurrant and blackberry. These are joined by complex tertiary notes of cigar box, cedar and undergrowth, along with subtle hints of tea leaf and toasted oak.

Palate
Medium to full-bodied, this wine is particularly dense and powerful for the estate. The ripe, firm tannic structure has integrated harmoniously over the years to offer an elegant texture. The finish stands out for its remarkable length and persistence.

Food and Wine Pairing

This red wine pairs beautifully with roasted meats such as lamb, beef or duck. It also complements game dishes, such as venison or wild boar, especially when accompanied by mushrooms. Specialities from the South-West of France, such as duck breast or duck confit, as well as aged hard cheeses like old Comté or Manchego, make perfect companions.

Serving and Cellaring

To fully appreciate this 1996 vintage, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 17 and 18°C. Decanting for around an hour, or simply allowing it to breathe in the glass, is advised, taking care not to disturb the natural sediment. This wine has reached its peak but can still be enjoyed until around 2026, provided it has been stored under optimal conditions.

A Classic and Structured Pauillac Wine

The Estate

Located in France, in the renowned region of Bordeaux, Château Haut-Batailley is a Fifth Classified Growth of 1855. Although the history of the site dates back to the 15th century, the current estate was officially established in the early 1940s, following the division of the historic Batailley vineyard. Long managed by the Borie family, the property is now run by Jean-Charles Cazes and his family, who acquired it in 2017. Recognisable by its famous Aspic tower, this cru embodies the elegance of its terroir.

The Vineyard

The terroir from which this wine originates lies at the southern tip of the Pauillac appellation, bordering Saint-Julien. The vines flourish on soils made up of deep Garonne gravel resting on a subsoil of sand and clay. This geological profile ensures excellent drainage and heat retention, providing ideal conditions for slow, optimal grape ripening.

The Vintage

1996 is recognised as a particularly favourable year for the Bordeaux left bank. Mild weather conditions allowed for a regular growing cycle and slow grape ripening. This ideal climate resulted in a healthy harvest, yielding well-constituted berries with an acidity that ensures great longevity.

Winemaking and Ageing

The making of this wine relies on measured extraction aimed at preserving the balance between structure and freshness. Ageing then takes place in French oak barrels, with a significant proportion of new wood, refining the tannic structure while imparting delicate toasted notes to the wine.

Grape Varieties

This wine is made from a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc.