Batailley 2009

Tasted blind. Muddy ruby colour. Low-key nose. But very charming, well-balanced palate. Neat and fresh. Not snazzy but very satisfying.Drink 2019-2038

There is real power of ripe fruit on the nose, all very black fruit influenced. Cassis dominates the palate enriched by sloes and refreshed by bilberry. The ripe feel of the tannins ensures a plushiness towards the back. Drink 2022-2045.

An impressive effort from a château that has improved considerably in recent vintages, this Cabernet-dominated blend is smoky and powerfully oaked. The extraction is slightly too firm perhaps, but the tannins are grainy and the fruit sweet and medium-bodied. 10+ years.

Dense red, good leafy blackcurrant nose, good broad plummy fruit, smooth texture attractive leathery spice and good length. Drink 2015-24.

A rich yet dry Pauillac that's now very attractive to drink and has a good harmony in spite of the generous alcohol. Long, supple finish. Drink or hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)

The 2009 Batailley should give the 2005 a run for its money. It is a slightly sweeter, richer, softer wine (somewhat atypical for Batailley as it is generally one of the more structured and backward of the Pauillacs) exhibiting a dense purple color as well as notes of smoke, blackberries, cassis, charcoal, and oak. Deep, full-bodied, rich, and already seductive, it should have 25+ years of evolution ahead of it. (Tasted two times.) Drink 2010-2035.

Tasted at the château and UGC. Picking commenced with the Merlot on the 24th September, for the Cabernet we started on the 29th September, finishing on 11th October and the Petit Verdot the 12th October. A blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this Batailley has a ripe nose of blackberry, black plum, sandalwood, mint and just a hint of white flowers. Not a huge intense nose, but much more refined, very Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied, rounded and quite supple tannins, yet good backbone as always on this Batailley. Very harmonious, insistent but gentle grip, a slightly powdery texture towards the finish lending a pleasurable sense of umami. Very focused and elegant towards the finish, classic in style and yet very "2009". This has the potential to be a benchmark Batailley after bottling (just be prudent on the oak please!) Tasted March 2010.

Bright crimson. Pretty deep. Succulent and sumptuous on the nose. Lots of sweetness. Just a little attenuated but should deliver satisfaction eventually! Date tasted 1st April 2010. Drink 2019-2030.