Château Batailley, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2005
This is another really impressive Batailley and could represent one of the best value buys from Pauillac. Brimming with dark berries, lots of aromatic cassis, minerals, gravel and cedar; there's a real structure and precision to the fruit. It feels grown up and serious, yet there's enough flesh and plump juicy fruit to make this quite engaging and enjoyable now. Some florality and a charming red fruit character emerge from the glass with aeration. It feels very complete and classic with it's brooding dark fruit core and long savoury finish. Clearly an excellent Batailley.
critic reviews
Such a wonderful vintage, and this is a standout in the lineup for its drinkability and quiet presence. Crayon, pencil lead, blackberry, cigar box, mint leaf, just a slow and steady unroll through the palate, and so drinkable. A wine to share, in a sweet spot now, but can easily be kept for another decade or more. Standout Pauillac. 50% new oak, Denis Dubourdieu consultant, Philippe Castéja owner. Love this vintage, and Batailley is a great example of it.
The 2005 Batailley is dark in hue with little aging on the rim. The nose is backward, tight and almost "moody", piqued that it did not undergo a three- to four-hour decant. Firm tannins frame the palate. The oak may not be as assimilated as the best 2005s. Dark chocolate and espresso hints develop with time in the glass. It hasn't moved much since I last tasted it, and it is just a bit formulaic. But I would keep it cellared for several more years as Batailley, in great vintages, has a propensity to age. Tasted at lunch in London.
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.