1988 Batailley
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Tasting notes
The 1988 Batailley has a deep purple core with thin brick rim. It has a rustic bouquet but one with charm: vestiges of black fruit, Earl Grey, freshly tilled soil and sandalwood aromas. This is fully mature but still fresh. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannin on the entry, a fine line of acidity, quite ferrous in style and missing a little depth. Like many Batailley’s from this decade it comes across overly serious and austere on the ferrous and slightly brittle finish that scurries out of the room too quickly. Drink this soon. Tasted at the château.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Typically stern, tough, closed, and difficult to penetrate, the 1988 Batailley displays a dark ruby color, a reticent bouquet of minerals, smoked nuts, blackcurrants, and oak, medium body, and an elevated tannin level. Anticipated maturity: 1997-2008.
An elegant wine, with a wonderful concentration of currant, tobacco and blackberry flavors that join up with hints of pepper and cedar on the finish. The tannins are present without intruding. Strikingly well balanced and should be ready to drink around 1995 to '98.
Typically stern, tough, closed, and difficult to penetrate, the 1988 Batailley displays a dark ruby color, a reticent bouquet of minerals, smoked nuts, blackcurrants, and oak, medium body, and an elevated tannin level. Anticipated maturity: 1997-2008. Feb 1993, www.robertparker.com
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.