CHATEAU HAUT-BATAILLEY PAUILLAC 'VERSO' 2017

Château Haut-Batailley's Verso captures the refined essence of Pauillac's southern sector, where gravelly terroir benefits from the Gironde estuary's tempering influence. This fifth growth estate, expertly managed by François-Xavier Borie of the esteemed Borie family who also oversee Grand-Puy-Lacoste, draws from 22 hectares of vines averaging 35 years. The 2017 vintage showcases bright red cherry and cranberry aromas with underlying graphite minerality, while the palate delivers silky raspberry and cassis flavors interwoven with cedar and fine-grained tannins. Oak aging imparts subtle vanilla and toast notes that enhance rather than overwhelm, creating an elegant, fruit-forward Pauillac with characteristic Left Bank structure and approachable charm.