Located in Pauillac, Chateau Haut-Batailley is simultaneously one of Bordeaux's youngest and oldest estates. Its history dates back to 1791 as part of the neighboring Chateau Batailley, though it was eventually separated from the estate in 1942. Then, in 2017, the Cazes family of Chateau Lynch-Bages became the new owners of the estate, leading to Pauillac prominence.
Since the Cazes takeover, Haut-Batailley has added 22 hectares to its vineyard and revamped its chateau and winemaking processes. Set on the border near Saint-Julien, Haut-Batailley produces uniquely feminine and graceful wines, unusual in Pauillac. The 2019 and 2020 vintages are amongst the finest bottles produced in the Cazes era, displaying the unique elegance found at the estate.
Chateau Haut Batailley: Bordeaux Tradition Renewed
Initially classified as a 5th Growth estate in 1855, Chateau Haut-Batailley had yet to break from Chateau Batailley. The latter was founded in 1791, thriving under the ownership of Daniel Guestier, a renowned negociant of the time. Guestier transformed Chateau Batailley into one of Pauillac's prime estates before his passing in the mid 19th century. However, another century passed until Haut-Batailley got it's start when, in 1932, the Borie brothers bought Chateau Batailley. Rather than managing the same estate, they opted to split the land in two, with Marcel keeping hold of the larger land and Francois taking control of the new, smaller estate, Chateau Haut-Batailley.
For over 70 years, Chateau Haut-Batailley remained in the Borie family, acting as a small and unassuming winery amongst Pauillac giants before being purchased by the famed Cazes family in March of 2017. Immediately after taking over, the family (also owners of Chateau Lynch-Bages) acquired 22 hectares of land, bringing Haut-Batailley's vineyard size to 41 hectares. Additionally, renovations to the chateau and cellar began, painting the sandy walls pink and bringing in advanced technology to refine vinification processes.
Chateau Haut-Batailley Pauillac Terroir and Vineyard
Haut-Batailley's vineyard is set on the border between Pauillac and Saint-Julien, a unique position for many estates in the region. The rare location gives Haut-Batailley wines a stark femininity not found in many Pauillac wines, marked by a charming, graceful, and delicate characteristic. Of the 41 hectares owned, 70% are planted to cabernet sauvignon, 25% are planted to merlot, and the remaining 5% are comprised of cabernet franc. The vines of each varietal are, on average, 35 years old, each tended to with organic methods.
When making the wines, the fruit is harvested manually before undergoing a double sorting on a vibrating table before and after destacking. Fermentation then takes place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats, and the wine is finally aged for up to 20 months in 40% new French oak barrels. The final blends have been described by Haut-Batailley winemakers as displaying garnet red colors and bright ruby hues, with beautiful and silky balance on the palate and aromas of black fruit and hints of vanilla. Ultimately, each bottle carries a signature elegance, only found in Haut-Batailley wines.
Grab some Chateau Haut-Batailley for your Cellar
Since taking over, the Cazes family has transformed Haut-Batailley into one of Pauillac's top-performing producers, regularly scoring in the mid to high 90s with each vintage compared to scores in the 80s from previous ownership. Choose from our selection of top vintages like the 2020 vintage, perfect for long-term aging in your cellar.
