2018 Batailley
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Winning richness on the nose. Neat and well constructed even though in a minor key. Lots of acidity and tannin with only just enough fruit. A little drying on the end. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
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The 2018 Batailley, matured in 60% new oak, is almost identical on the nose as I found it in barrel, decked out with attractive black cherries and cassis notes, the cedar element a little heightened and freshly rolled tobacco notes developing with aeration. Very fine delineation here, and the oak is well integrated. The balanced palate offers fine tannins that frame the blackberry and bilberry fruit. The salinity comes through nicely on the finish, which is less silky than before, but it waves adieu with a long spicy aftertaste. Very fine and very Batailley.
74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot. Deep ruby colour. Meaty oak is evident on the nose but there is ample fruit concentration to balance this out. The palate is plump and round, with ripe dark cherries intense and succulent through to the finish. There is enough acidity to retain freshness, and, as with the nose, the oak – though evident – is in balance with the intensity of fruit. (TP)
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.