2021 Batailley
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Tasting Notes
The team here waited until 11th October to pick their Cabernet Sauvignon, making them one of the last in the vineyards of Pauillac. The risk paid off, giving them ripe tannins and a richness not found at all addresses. It’s one of the best Batailley’s we’ve tasted – elegant, fresh and typically old-school Pauillac. There’s an enticing sweetness to the nose, with vanilla and baking spice (from 60% new oak), backed up by ripe red plum fruit and cassis. Having waited for their Cabernet to ripen, there’s a lovely density and structure to the wine, with chalky tannins that provide good grip, while the year’s cool conditions give balance and freshness. They chaptalised to reach a modest 13% alcohol, but it’s beautifully integrated. Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
Critic Scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
The ruby/plum-hued 2021 Château Batailley has classic, almost old school notes of leather, red and black fruits, tobacco, and dried herbs. This carries to a medium-bodied, firm, focused, yet balanced, attractive Pauillac that should round into form nicely over the course of its élevage. It's not one of the standouts in the vintage, yet I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see it end up being an outstanding wine, and it has lots of character.
The 2021 Batailley was picked September 30 to October 15 and matured in 55–60% new oak. It has a well-defined, focused bouquet, a quintessential Pauillac nose of black fruit infused with cedar and mint. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of black pepper on the entry and delivers good depth and fine grip. This is a Batailley with commendable stuffing for the vintage and it fans out with gusto on the finish. It might not be the best Pauillac in 2021, yet I bet you won’t find better value for money, notwithstanding its underestimated propensity to age.
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.
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About the producer
It was on the site of Batailley in 1453 that one of the final battles (or “batailles”) of the Hundred Years’ War took place. Today owned by the Castéja family, the Fifth Growth is renowned for producing wine that is the epitome of classic Claret.