92
WINE SPECTATOR: "Wonderful aromas of citrus fruit, blackberry and currant. Full-bodied, with Port-like flavors and chewy tannins. Super well-structured. Needs time to come together."
91
THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Following my previous encounter with the 1995 Haut Batailley, I was optimistic about its maturation in bottle. When François-Xavier Borie poured an example following a vertical at Grand Puy-Lacoste...well, that view was vindicated. This is perhaps an unheralded wine of a strong vintage. It has a generous bouquet with vibrant red berry fruit that cocks a snook at the 2000 Haut Batailley that was poured alongside. Mulberry and leather at first, undergrowth emerging with time. The palate might be a little smudged on the entry but there is impressive weight and concentration, superb balance and real structure on the finish to suggest that it will give 20+ years of pleasure. This is worth seeking out at its secondary market prices and probably more attractive than many of its peers. Tasted July 2016."
17
JANCIS ROBINSON: "Rather light, refreshing nose but no great depths. Classic, mineral, dry finish, Nice beginning, middle and end. Fine tannins. A very neat wine"
90
THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Developing nicely with its tobacco, ash, earth, green pepper and spicy cassis character. There is a touch of rusticity in the tannins, but there is enough freshness and depth in the fruit, coupled with the charming nose, that it's easy to overlook."