Batailley 2006

A real sleeper of the vintage and a sensational effort from the Casteja family, Batailley has turned out a complete, powerful, classic Pauillac, with oodles of black currant fruit as well as hints of new saddle leather, toast, chocolate, and forest floor. Full-bodied, dense, and built for the long haul, this wine should be reasonably drinkable in 4-5 years and last for two decades. Good value.

The 2006 Château Batailley has much more fruit intensity on the nose compared to Lynch Moussas: vibrant blackberry, raspberry coulis and cedar scents all vying for attention, the oak neatly assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe red berry fruit, a gentle grip in the mouth and a pleasing, ferrous finish. Give this another 2-3 years in bottle and you will have yourself a very fine Batailley.

Dark blackish crimson with some development at the rim already. Sweet tealeaf aromas. Hint of char. Quite mild attack - a bit diffuse. Rather green notes - needs time. Not the most direct fruit - and very astringent and drying on the finish.