Château Batailley, 5e Cru Classé, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France, 2016

Overview of the Wine
Chateau Batailley, a 5th Cru of the classification of 1855, is Borie-Manoux's and the Casteja-family's flagship. The name is derived from the battle ("bataille") that took place where the chateau and vineyard are today during the 100-years war around 1453. In this battle, the French re-conquered the neighbouring Chateau Latour from the English, a crucial point for ending the 300 year long reign of the English in Aquitaine. In the 16th century, the first vines were planted on these historical grounds.

Grape / Blend
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot

Origin
Paulillac, Bordeaux, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Batailley is a classic and very typical Pauillac, with cassis and currant flavors and a very firm structure. Dark ruby/purple in appearance Chateau Batailley strikes the nose with classic aromas of red and black currant along with cedar and earth. The wine is full-bodied on the palate with wonderful spice and structure.

96 Points - James Suckling
Shows beautiful, ripe cabernet aromas with currants, plums, meat and smoke. Flowers, too. Full body, deep and ripe fruit and exquisite, ripe tannins. Flavorful finish. Tight right now, but shows excellent potential. Best ever.

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Matured in 60% new oak. It has an intense graphite infused bouquet with fine delineation, some freshly picked Pauillac mint coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin that grip the mouth insistently; with graphite and tobacco-infused black fruit dominating, this a classically styled Batailley in the vein of previous vintages with the elegance coming through towards the finish. This is one of those wines that grows on you, perhaps not as easy or as charming to taste as other Pauillac 2016s at this stage, but knowing this property well, I know how it can blossom when it matters, which is when you and I drink it.

93 Points - Decanter
Upfront and confident rich sweetness of cedar, damson and blackberry. Goes for impact from evident oak, firm acidity and extremely impressive tannins.

93 Points - Wine Spectator
This is a bit subtle and old-school in approach, with singed juniper and alder elements out front followed by perfumy, lightly mulled currant and cherry fruit flavors. The wood notes reemerge through the finish along with savory and sanguine threads. Will age well; for fans of the style. Best from 2024 through 2038.

90 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Château Batailley offers enjoyable dark fruits, leafy tobacco, new leather, and charred oak aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, nicely balanced, and fresh...

Product size: 750ml