2008 Batailley
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Tasting notes
Blackcurrant, cherry and olive tapenade. Dry but refreshing on the palate, thanks to acidity that keeps the grainy tannins at bay. Medium body and intensity – relatively tame for Pauillac, perhaps. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Batailley is a 22% Merlot, 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, a late harvest according to Philippe Castéja that finished on 20 October. It has a deep garnet core with little sign of ageing on the rim. The bouquet is fresh and vibrant: blackberry and boysenberry fruit intermixed with cedar and bay leaf. There is commendable energy after ten years. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp cranberry and blackberry fruit laced with white pepper, cedar and smoke. There is body and density afforded to this Batailley: a solid and trustworthy Pauillac that should age well over the next 15 to 20 years. One to watch. (Tasted at the château and at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual vertical tasting.)
Slightly greyish crimson. Light nose – and light everything – but without an excess of green. Sweet start and reasonably well balanced. A bit timid but well behaved. Pretty dry tannins on the finish. Refreshing with an assertive finish. (JR)
About the producer
It was on the site of Batailley in 1453 that one of the final battles (or “batailles”) of the Hundred Years’ War took place. Today owned by the Castéja family, the Fifth Growth is renowned for producing wine that is the epitome of classic Claret.