Subtle aromas of currants and fresh flowers with some tar and graphite. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity. Very typical and bright for Pauillac. Linear and fine. Solid and tight. Well age nicely.
James Suckling (May 2022)Score: 93-94/100
The 2021 Batailley was picked September 30 to October 15 and matured in 55–60% new oak. It has a well-defined, focused bouquet, a quintessential Pauillac nose of black fruit infused with cedar and mint. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of black pepper on the entry and delivers good depth and fine grip. This is a Batailley with commendable stuffing for the vintage and it fans out with gusto on the finish. It might not be the best Pauillac in 2021, yet I bet you won’t find better value for money, notwithstanding its underestimated propensity to age.
Neal Martin, Vinous (May 2022)Score: 92-94/100Drink 2029-2050
The 2021 Batailley is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly unfurls to reveal notes of warm cassis, blackberry pie, and cedar chest with hints of lilacs, cardamon, and camphor. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is elegantly styled with lovely freshness and fine-grained tannins to support, finishing fragrant.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (May 2022)Score: 87-89/100Drink 2025-2035
Stands out in the appellation, with density through the mid palate, and Pauillac signature coming through in the pencil lead, graphite and cassis notes. This is a good quality wine with a touch of blackcurrant bud and earth reflecting the cooler temperatures of the year, but plenty of depth and ageing potential. Tasted twice.
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux (April 2022)Score: 92/100Drink 2026-2042
Perfumed, floral, heady nose. Lightly framed in terms of texture, but with a really intense and concentrated core of sweet red and black fruit flavours, with cocoa powder and liquorice that go vertical as well as horizontal, filling the palate with aromas as opposed to direct weight from the tannins. Feels like a delicate and pared-back style for this estate, carefully presenting the vintage in the glass with harmony and balance. Juicy and flavourful, it will be even better after ageing. Tasted twice. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend.
Georgie Hindle, Decanter (April 2022)Score: 92/100Drink 2025-2045
The 2021 Batailley shows promise, exhibiting aromas of cassis, plums, licorice, cigar wrapper, loamy soil and dark chocolate, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and charming palate built around ripe, powdery tannins. Supple and giving, it will offer a broad drinking window.
William Kelley, Wine Advocate (April 2022)Score: 90-92/100
The team here waited until 11th October to pick their Cabernet Sauvignon, making them one of the last in the vineyards of Pauillac. The risk paid off, giving them ripe tannins and a richness not found at all addresses. It’s one of the best Batailley’s we’ve tasted – elegant, fresh and typically old-school Pauillac. There’s an enticing sweetness to the nose, with vanilla and baking spice (from 60% new oak), backed up by ripe red plum fruit and cassis. Having waited for their Cabernet to ripen, there’s a lovely density and structure to the wine, with chalky tannins that provide good grip, while the year’s cool conditions give balance and freshness. They chaptalised to reach a modest 13% alcohol, but it’s beautifully integrated. Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
FINE+RARE (April 2022)
Bordeaux / France
En Primeur
2025-2050