First created in 2017, the Château Haut-Batailley Verso is the new second wine of this estate, which is now run by the talented team at Lynch-Bages. The 2018 Château Haut-Batailley Verso has a complex, nuanced, approachable style with classic Pauillac dark fruits, tobacco, lead pencil, and earthy aromas and flavors. Gorgeously fruited, succulent, and seamless, it nevertheless has the balance, structure, and purity to keep for 20 years or more.

The 2018 Verso Haut-Batailley is powerful and intense, but also quite clenched. Super-ripe black cherry, blackberry jam, smoke, dark spice and licorice give the 2018 much of its dark, brooding personality. Ripeness is very much pushed to the edge here. It will be interesting to see how things develop during élevage. The blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot.

Bright, unadorned cassis and cherry purée notes stream through, with light savory and iron hints along the way. Fresh finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2024.