Château Haut-Batailley 'Verso' Pauillac Rouge 2020

Famille JM Cazes Haut-Batailley ‘Verso’ 2020 - Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Elegant, approachable and unmistakably Pauillac, Verso is the second wine of Château Haut-Batailley, crafted by the Cazes family of Château Lynch-Bages. The 2020 opens with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and dark cherry, layered with cedar, tobacco leaf, graphite and a touch of sweet spice. The palate is medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with ripe cassis fruit, supple tannins and a fresh mineral backbone that gives the wine both charm and classic Left Bank structure. While more accessible in its youth than the Grand Vin, it still delivers the refinement and unmistakable character of one of Bordeaux’s most famous appellations.

Made from a predominantly Merlot blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, Verso is sourced from younger vines and selected parcels within the Haut-Batailley estate. Careful ageing in French oak adds polish without overwhelming the fruit, resulting in a wine that combines Pauillac’s hallmark notes of cassis, cedar and graphite with a softer, earlier-drinking profile. Since the Cazes family acquired Haut-Batailley in 2017, quality has risen dramatically, and Verso has quickly established itself as one of Bordeaux’s standout second wines.

Grape Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

Style: Red – Medium-bodied, polished, classic Left Bank Bordeaux

Drink Window: Now – 2032

Perfect For: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, duck breast, mushroom dishes, mature cheeses

Critic Scores:

91-92 points - James Suckling
90 points - Wine Spectator

A beautifully crafted introduction to Pauillac - silky, refined and full of classic Bordeaux character, with all the pedigree of Haut-Batailley in an approachable, immensely enjoyable style.