Château Batailley, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2009
A mighty impressive Batailley that has caught the eye of some critics, receiving frankly ludicrous scores. Yes it is very good, but it doesn't have the class of Francois Xavier Borie's Haut Batailley. A big, rich wine with ample concentration and a lovely pure cassis core. Modern and squeaky clean; fine and very persistent flavours are balanced by a lovely fresh finish. Very good indeed.
critic reviews
A fantastic vintage that did well across all of Bordeaux. I have shared this particular wine countless times both in tastings and at home, and it feels like an old friend at this point. Liquorice, rose petals, blackberry, crayon, cassis, cumin, coriander seed, drawn out tannins, reserved yet concentrated, and a total masterclass in understated Pauillac. 55% new oak for ageing, Denis Dubourdieu consultant., Philippe Casteja owner.
Love this wine, I drink it regularly at home, and it always performs excellently in blind tastings, delivering so much of what we love about Pauillac. Ruby red colour, still vibrant, full of silky black fruits, pencil lead and mint leaf, revs up through the mid palate with layers of bilberry, cassis, slate and crushed rocks. You will get longer-lasting Pauillac 2009s, but this is thoroughly enjoyable and built to share. 55% new oak for ageing, Philippe Casteja owner.
The 2009 Batailley has a generous bouquet with more red fruit than its peers, laced with brown spices and touches of autumn leaves. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly savoury entry, quite forward in style with lower acidity than expected, sage and meat juices towards what feels like a Merlot-driven finish. Drink over the next decade. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.