| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pauillac |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Tasted at the Batailley vertical tasting at the château, the 2005 Batailley continues to be an excellent Pauillac that I suspect is overshadowed by some of its more illustrious and, let's not forget, more expensive neighbors. Here, it has an effervescent bouquet with vibrant red berry fruit and superb mineralité. This is extremely well focused, with hints of rose petal emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with finer tannin than in previous years. I feel there is still some oak to be fully absorbed, so don't be afraid to cellar this 2005 for another four or five years; but, even at this early stage, you can appreciate its precision on the graphite-infused finish. The 2005 Batailley is where the estate began its upward swing that is continuing to this day. Tasted April 2016. Drink 2018 - 2045.
Renowned Bordeaux oenologist, Denis Dubourdiu, oversees the winemaking at all of the properties owned by Philippe Casteja, which includes Batailley. Their 2005, one of the finest efforts this estate has yet produced, is backward, tannic, and almost primordial in style. Built for the long-term, it offers plenty of sweet creme de cassis fruit intermixed with smoke, cedar, and earth notes. Full-bodied and powerful, it is an old style Pauillac with well-integrated acidity as well as sweet but elevated tannins. Give it 7-8 years of bottle age, and drink it between 2015-2035.
Old school charm, well balanced, pencil lead, crayon, graphite, cassis, plum, mint leaf, signature Batailley, bounding energy, in the way that Gloria was finessed classic St Julien, this plays the same role in Pauillac. Sums up why 2005 works - so drinkable today and yet will keep on delivering for 30 years. Love this. Doesn't shout out its presence, but it just exudes confidence and restrained power. 50% new oak, Denis Dubourdieu consultant, Philippe Castéja owner.
Evolved toasty nose. Round and easy and full of pleasure even if more fragrant and leaner than some. A good bottle
Gentle notes of spice and ripe berry fruit. Discreet charm; elegant, balanced and long finishing. Everything in its place. Drink from 2013. Awarded 3 stars.
Came 46th out of 184 wines
Tasted single blind at Southwold. Slightly more reticent on the nose after the previous wine but there is still very good fruit concentration. Blackberry, plum with just a faint hint of orange zest. The palate is ripe and sweet, blackberry, blueberry and a touch of black olive. Feminine and well crafted, generous and giving, supple and lithe towards the finish. It caresses the palate on the way out with a kiss of dark chocolate on the finish. Beautifully crafted and sure to age gracefully. Drink 2015-2030+ Tasted January 2009.
One of the finest examples I have ever tasted of Batailley (which is difficult to evaluate young as it is made in such a tannic, primordial style), the 2005 reveals both charm and power. It possesses a deep ruby/purple hue along with powerful creme de cassis notes intermixed with cedar, incense, and spicy oak. Fleshy and full-bodied with abundant power as well as sweet tannin, and present but unobtrusive acidity, this beauty will benefit from 5-6 years of bottle age, and should keep for 25+.
Always a serious vin de garde that requires considerable patience, Batailley’s 2005 may be their finest effort in the last forty years. An inky/ruby/purple color is accompanied by classic aromas of black currants, flowers, licorice, and spice box. With huge tannin, medium to full body, impressive concentration, and good depth, it will be drinkable between 2013-2030.
Lots of currant and smoky character follows through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Nicely done.
