Tasted at a vertical tasting at the chateau. The 2012 Haut Batailley has a superior bouquet to the 2011, with more complexity and mineralite, crushed stone intermingling with copious black fruit all with exquisite delineation and focus. There is a strictness here, perhaps borrowed from its half-brother, Grand Puy-Lacoste. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition and focus. There is still some oak to be absorbed but there is plenty of substance on the stylish, sweet finish that is very seductive. This is an excellent wine from Francois-Xavier Borie, dare I say up there with the 2009 and 2010. It comes highly recommended. Tasted July 2016.