Château Batailley, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2023
Frederic Casteja described 2023 as an "unprecedented" vintage. Temperatures were 1.5 degrees above the norm and there were no blockages to maturity. Even so, he decided to wait a little for extra maturity, finishing the harvest on the 5th of October. A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, this impressive 2023 is packed with spicy, dark fruit, toasty, earthy notes, incense and hedgerow fruit. Balance and composed, there's good energy here, long flavours and a generous texture. Finishes with suggestions of bitter chocolate, black cherry, graphite, licorice and spices.
critic reviews
You want to know what Pauillac tastes like, roll up and enjoy this vintage of Batailley. Squid ink, slate, cassis, bilberry, slate, crayon, black chocolate, plenty of tannic grip, a smudge of grilled cedar oak and a squeeze of mint, it's all here. 57% new oak for ageing. Harvest September 12 through to October 5, Axel Marchal consultant, Philippe and Frederic Castéja owners.
The 2023 Batailley is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs some swirling to coax out notes of blackcurrant jelly, plum preserves, and raspberry leaves followed by hints of rosebud tea, fertile loam, iron ore, and tree bark. The medium-bodied palate is tight-knit and refreshing, with firm fine-grained tannins and beautiful tension supporting the energetic black berry flavors, finishing long and savory. The blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot.
The 2023 Batailley was picked September 12 to October 5 at around 49hL/ha, matured in 57% new oak. It has an elegant and understated bouquet compared to the previous vintage, as with all châteaux, well-defined, with a light estuarine influence emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. It’s very bright and fresh and there’s plenty of fruit here. A deft, harmonious finish lingers in the mouth. This is an excellent Batailley.