Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pauillac |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
A well situated vineyard in Pauillac that can be relied upon to produce a consistent wine of classic Médoc style and breed. Quality has moved up a level in recent vintages whilst prices remain reasonable. The château is now producing a second wine - Lions de Batailley - which means that production of the grand vin has fallen from 20,000 cases to around 13,000 per annum. This selection process has further increased the quality of the grand vin.
The 2021 Batailley shows promise, exhibiting aromas of cassis, plums, licorice, cigar wrapper, loamy soil and dark chocolate, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and charming palate built around ripe, powdery tannins. Supple and giving, it will offer a broad drinking window.
Batailley was unaffected by frost and mildew, so the yield was at normal levels in 2021. The Cabernet was able to be harvested quickly and fully ripe on the 15th to 17th of October by a team of 200 pickers. The final blend has a little more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual. 13% abv. Maturation in 60% medium toast new oak. Bright purple in colour. The nose is very bright, with fine blackcurrant and red cherry fruit plumped up by a little baking spice from the wood. The palate, too, has a little puppy fat that bolsters the mid-palate with juicy red fruit. Smoky spices build in tandem with the fruit. The finish is fine and long, remaining fresh and harmonious between spice and fruit. The tannins, though ripe, persist to add bite on the finish.
Subtle aromas of currants and fresh flowers with some tar and graphite. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity. Very typical and bright for Pauillac. Linear and fine. Solid and tight. Well age nicely.
The 2021 Batailley is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly unfurls to reveal notes of warm cassis, blackberry pie, and cedar chest with hints of lilacs, cardamon, and camphor. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is elegantly styled with lovely freshness and fine-grained tannins to support, finishing fragrant.
2025-2035
Stands out in the appellation, with density through the mid palate, and Pauillac signature coming through in the pencil lead, graphite and cassis notes. This is a good quality wine with a touch of blackcurrant bud and earth reflecting the cooler temperatures of the year, but plenty of depth and ageing potential. Tasted twice.
Cask sample. Fresh and simple aromatically; dark and red fruit with a slight herbaceous note. Supple and loose-limbed on the palate with light but fine tannins. Lacks a bit of clout but attractive fruit and everything in balance. (JL)
Drink 2027 – 2036