Batailley 2013

The 2013 Batailley has a relatively backward bouquet, however, there is respectable fruit concentration here for the vintage: blackberry, cedar and cigar box, your typical traits for this estate. The palate offers commendable weight and extraction: not a Batailley of finesse or even complexity, though one with a modicum of presence and substance. Given this is a 2013 there is negligible under-ripeness on the tensile and almost steely finish. I can see this giving 10-15 years of pleasure and it represents a very commendable wine in the context of the growing season.

A strong effort from this Philippe Casteja estate, the dark ruby/purple color, sweet creme de cassis fruit, creamy mouthfeel, excellent purity, light tannins, attractive fruit and very good texture make the medium-bodied 2013 Batailley a successful effort in this tough vintage. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years.

This very and racy with a pretty purity and length. Full body, with mineral and stone. Muscular. 94% cabernet sauvignon with the rest in merlot and petit verdot. Very, very impressive from here.

The Grand Vin has the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend: 94%, augmented by 2% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot cropped at 33hl/ha. It has a pure, well-defined bouquet with blackcurrant, fresh strawberry and cedar that is tightly enmeshed with the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft, almost understated opening. There are pleasant tobacco and dried herb notes infusing the black fruit and whilst the finish does not possess the structure of recent vintages, it expresses the Cabernet fruit with aplomb and there is something easy drinking, almost languid on the finish (not meant in a pejorative sense.) Fine. Tasted April 2014.