"The 2018 Verso is laced with copious blue/black fruits, spice, new leather, smoke and lavender. Élevage has softened some of the angular contours that were present en primeur. Overall, though, Verso remains a bit on the burly side. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so."
Decanter
D90
"This new name for Haut-Batailley’s second wine will be applied to the 2018 vintage onwards. There is clear concentration here with a freshness that denotes careful extraction. It has the power of Cabernet Sauvignon but keeps a sense of lift and juice that you really do want in a second wine. It’s very good, a little chalky on the finish, with an elegant and savoury quality to the fruit. A high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon went into the blend in 2018 because the Merlot was more affected by the mildew, although there was still a good yield of 40hl/ha. 65% first wine, 35% second wine. 3.72pH. 7"
Wine Spectator
WS88
"Bright, unadorned cassis and cherry puree notes stream through, with light savory and iron hints along the way. Fresh finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot."