Tasting Note:
The Castéja family’s Batailley is always one of the best value buys in Pauillac and the whilst the 2020 isn’t quite as sumptuous as the spectacular 2019, it is still a mighty impressive wine that will rank amongst their best. We must stop referring to this as the new style of Batailley, the project to elevate Batailley is well established now – we should expect seductive fruit and beautifully polished tannins. Produced from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Batailley is glossy and perfumed with a seductive bouquet of black cherry, liquorice and cloves. Although lavish and rather decadent, there’s still freshness and poise to the fruit: sleek, pure, refreshing, with graceful tannins laced with notes of coal and graphite. Coming back to this many hours later, the intensity of the fruit is even more evident. There is such power and freshness. Sure to be one of the best buys from the Medoc.
"Takes its time to unroll then shows sweetness to the black cherry and brambled blackberries fruits, followed by cigar, pencil lead and crushed stone. This is signature Batailley in that it has that essence-of-Pauillac feel. A delicious wine, such a great great drinking claret, really one to look out for in this vintage; already looking forward to drinking this in 10 years time. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 60% new oak. A yield of 42hl/ha. Drinking Window 2028 - 2042" 94/100 - Jane Anson, Decanter.com