Château Batailley, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2025

Frederic Casteja's Batailley has come roaring back to form in 2025. Produced from 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, this is a crowd pleasing Pauillac if ever we saw one. Fine aromas of griotte and blackcurrant, cut flowers and nori. This is pure, succulent and juicy replete with cherry and blackberry fruit and touches of licorice. Engaging and generous, framed by lots of ripe tannin and a refreshing seam of acidity. An excellent Batailley, which will likely be one of the best value buys of the vintage.