2010 Batailley
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Tasting notes
This is right up there. All graphite and a classy Pauillac edge on the nose. This is not a bruiser: it is elegantly silky with a beguiling lift to it. Very impressive. Proper wine in that it tastes of pure Pauillac rather than fancy winemaking. The texture is like a fine woven steel embroidery: power and strength combines with a silky elegance. Excellent.
Critic scores
Average Score
Decanter
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
We are in full on classic Pauillac territory here, sculpted and balanced juicy blackcurrant and bilberry fruits, great lift on the finish, one of best value wines of the tasting, sleek tannins, studded with freshly cut herbs and charcoal. For a long time the 2009 was the best of the two vintages at Batailley, but the 2010 is now taking the lead. 55% new oak for ageing, Philippe Casteja owner.
The 2010 Batailley has a vivacious, outgoing and quintessentially Pauillac nose with blackberry, mint and graphite bursting from the glass and demanding attention! The palate is medium-bodied with ample black fruit laced with graphite, sage and cracked black pepper. Wonderful depth and grip here, fanning out nicely towards the finish where there is a soupçon of oak still to be subsumed, therefore give this another three or four years. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Batailley starts off quite cedary/oaky, opening out to reveal notes of preserved plums, blackcurrant cordial and new leather with touches of pencil shavings and bay leaves. Full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid structure of firm, chewy tannins and loads of freshness framing the herb-sparked black fruit, finishing a little firm.
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.