James Suckling (JS) — 86/100 · Wine Spectator, 31/01/2001 · Drink 2003+
A succulent red, with tobacco, cherry and berry character. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a barley and fruit aftertaste. Best after 2003. 21,665 cases made.
1998 Batailley
- Region
- Bordeaux
- Appellation
- Pauillac
- Classification
- Fifth Growth
- Format
- 12x75cl
- Price
- £750 per case (In Bond, GBP)
- Availability
- In stock
- Critic score
- 17–18/20 (JR)
- Drinking window
- 2018–2020
In Bond Fine Wine. 1998 Château Batailley, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. Fifth Growth • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 17–18/20 (JR). Drinking window: 2018–2020. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
This Classed Growth is one of the best values in Pauillac, as prices are always reasonable. Bordering Latour, Grand-Puy Lacoste, Lynch Bages and Pichon-Lalande, it was originally one property with neighbouring Haut Batailley (before the two were divided in 1942). In style, Batailley is classically Pauillac and a typical drinker's claret that ages exceptionally well. Full bodied and robust, with rich blackberry fruit, firm tannins, and a sense of restraint that gives both balance and ageing potential. Stricter selection in the grand vin in recent vintages has resulted in greater precision and consistency with a more polished, sophisticated mouthfeel.
What the critics say
Neal Martin (NM) — 82/100 · Vinous, 2018-05-01 · Drink 2018-2020
The 1998 Batailley has a straightforward bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, a touch of brine and with aeration a touch of signature Pauillac mintiness. It would certainly benefit from more freshness and delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a sour note on the entry. This simply feels rather green and there is clearly some under-ripeness towards the raw finish. This feels as if it is a dow…
Jancis Robinson MW (JR) — 17–18/20 · JancisRobinson.com, 09/08/2007 · Drink 2009-2021
Very interesting gravelly, minerally nose. Lovely ripeness and freshness. Cabernet Franc/Graves impression. Lovely balance. Zesty. Could be appropriate for a really important lunch.