1996 Chateau Haut Batailley

傳統波雅克的老派魅力：黑果、雪茄盒木與礦感，餘韻耐人尋味。

【為什麼選它？】
1) 5級名莊身分 -> 有收藏價值，身份與品質兼顧。
2) 1996 年份、16 個月法國橡木箱（65% 新桶） -> 果實已成熟但結構仍在，開瓶後能慢慢展現層次。
3) Famille Cazes 經營 -> 管理用心，酒款更穩定可靠。

【釀酒與田地小語】
Haut-Batailley 位處 Pauillac 鹅卵石礫石地，排水佳、熱量累積好，果實成熟但保有鹽礦感與骨架。酒廠用溫控鋼槽發酵，然後入法國橡木桶陳年，讓單寧圓潤而帶香料、雪茄盒的木香。

【侍酒師私房筆記】
入口先是深色果實的濃度，緊接着雪茄盒、木梗與少許礦物和黑胡椒味。單寧紮實但已被時間磨得細緻，整體偏中至偏重酒體、咀嚼時有成熟果酸支持。開瓶醒個 30–60 分鐘最好，慢慢看它打開層次。

【場景化配餐指南】
公司年終飯局配烤羊排／燒牛肉、家庭團聚配東坡牛腩或港式紅燒，配陳年芝士當味覺收官都很合適。

【降維打擊對比】
比起同區大牌，Haut-Batailley 給你典型 Pauillac 的結構與陳年表現，但價位更親切——追求實力派而非光環的明智之選。

[Soul Hook] A classic Pauillac from a confident vintage — concentrated black fruit, tobacco and cedar with a long, layered finish.

[Why choose it?]
1) 5ème Grand Cru Classé pedigree -> Historic quality with collectible appeal.
2) Mature 1996 vintage, 16 months in French oak (65% new) -> Developed complexity yet still vivid structure.
3) Famille Cazes stewardship -> estate care ensures polished, well-made Bordeaux claret.

[Winemaking & Vineyard Notes]
Owned by Famille Cazes, vinified in temperature-controlled steel vats and matured 16 months in French oak (65% new). Pauillac’s well-drained gravel soils lend firmness and classic mineral lift; the 1996 shows how old vines and careful oak integration produce depth without heaviness.

[Sommelier's Notes]
Deep, concentrated core of blackcurrant and cassis layered with cigar-box cedar, graphite and dried tobacco. Medium–full on the palate with ripe, grainy tannins and a savoury, slightly iron-tinged midpalate. The finish is long and layered — not showy oak, but integrated spice and cedar that frame the fruit.

[Occasion / Pairing]
Decant ~45 minutes and serve with roast beef, herb-crusted lamb, or slow-braised beef dishes. Ideal for celebratory dinners, family reunions or a focused tasting with aged cheeses.

[Competitive Edge]
Compared to bigger-name Pauillacs, this Haut-Batailley offers classic Pauillac structure and ageing potential at a more accessible price — a sleeper choice for collectors and serious drinkers who value character over label flash.

Specification

• Alcohol %: 13.0%
• Decant Time: 45 minutes
• Taste: blackcurrant, cigar box, cedar, graphite, tobacco, dark spice, ripe tannins, earthy, long layered finish
• Food Matching: Roast beef / ribeye, Lamb rump or chops with herbs, Braised beef (Hong Kong / Cantonese style), Venison or game, Aged cheddar or hard cheeses
• Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot , Petit Verdot ,

Winery

Chateau Haut-Batailley（五級名莊），現由 Famille Cazes 經營。莊園坐落 Pauillac 礫石土壤，走經典路線：溫控鋼槽發酵、橡木桶陳年以求力量與優雅兼具，管理紮實、穩定性高。

Chateau Haut-Batailley (5ème Grand Cru Classé) is managed by Famille Cazes. The estate emphasizes classic Pauillac expression: gravely terroir, traditional vinification in temperature-controlled steel vats and careful oak maturation (notably 16 months, significant proportion of new French oak) to marry power and elegance.