In Bond Fine Wine. 2023 Château Batailley, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. Fifth Growth • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 95/100 (JA). Drinking window: 2028–2052. 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.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 90–93/100 · Vinous, 30/04/2024 · Drink 2028-2048
The 2023 Batailley is an ample, large-scaled Pauillac. Even so, I find it quite restrained and not particularly expressive at this stage. There's good vibrancy to the red-toned fruit. Hopefully elevage will do the trick here.
Neal Martin (NM) — 93–95/100 · Vinous, 29/04/2024 · Drink 2028-2052
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 l…
James Suckling (JS) — 95–96/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 24/04/2024
Beautiful fruit with currants and blackberries, as well as notes of walnuts and chocolate. So much blackberry fruit here. Aromatic. Medium- to full-bodied with very fine tannins on the deep and structured palate. Racy and long finish. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 2% petit verdot.