1945 Batailley

Tasted at the Batailley vertical tasting at the château, the 1945 Batailley has a deep color in the glass, with just thin bricking visible on the rim. I noticed a little turbidity in the glass compared to other vintages. The palate is mercurial and compelling—a little rustic at first—with copper piping, iron rust and some vestiges of red fruit. Then it begins to gain more clarity in the glass and develop scents of wild mint and woodbine. The palate is medium-bodied, perhaps a little rustic compared to other 1945 Clarets that I have tasted. There is a solidity to this 1945 with firm, slightly dry tannin and vestiges of dark, earthy fruit. Maybe it lacks the finesse of coeval vintages, and certainly, it does not possess the sophistication of a magnum of 1949 Batailley tasted alongside. It just fades on the finish like a runner running out of puff. Drink bottles soon if you have any remaining. Tasted April 2016.