Batailley 2019

Tasted blind. Simple crimson. Fine, medium intensity but rather aggressively tart fruit with a hint of glucose. A bit ordinary. 14%Drink 2026– 2036

74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot.Black core, crimson rim. Smells sweeter than the Armailhac. Riper, dark plum verging on prune but not overripe on the palate. Pretty firm tannins giving a more savoury aspect to that ripe fruit. Chewy, savoury, rocky aftertaste. Such a baby and so firmly structured. (JH) 14%Drink 2030 – 2045

The 2019 Batailley is performing well from bottle, delivering aromas of rich cassis fruit mingled with notions of licorice and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with a generous core of fruit, lively acids and plenty of ripe, powdery tannin, this is a chunky, flavorful Pauillac that will develop well in bottle. Drink Date 2027 - 2055

The 2019 Batailley has an intense bouquet of blackberry, graphite and light tobacco scents, the latter less pronounced than out of barrel. This feels supremely well-defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins and pure black fruit laced with cracked black pepper and graphite, leading to a complex and quite prolonged finish. One of the best Batailleys, maybe the best, in recent years, and a strong follow-up to their splendid 2018. Highly recommended and still one of the best values in Pauillac. Drink 2026-2060.

The 2019 Batailley, picked 16 September until 7 October, has an impressive bouquet with plenty of concentration, though it manages to remain the traditional classic style associated with this Pauillac estate. Blackberry, forest floor and freshly rolled tobacco burst from the glass, demonstrating fine purity and delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. I was most impressed by the balance and poise, almost as if it has a newfound sophistication very evident on the finish. This is a superb Batailley, one of the finest that I have encountered in recent years. 2026 - 2060.

A very cabernet-driven red with currants, light cedar, vanilla and flowers. It’s full-bodied, tight and powerful. Impressive finish. Classic. 74% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 1% petit verdot.

Casting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2019 Batailley offers up a beautiful perfume of candied violets, chocolate box and star anise over a core of cassis, stewed black cherries, espresso and wild blueberries plus a hint of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid foundation of ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness supporting the generous black fruit preserves and coffee-laced layers, finishing long and fragrant. 2025 - 2050

More Pauillac character than the Lynch Moussas, this is where you get the characteristic slate, pencil lead and menthol against the beautiful rich cassis and a confident tannic frame. I've had a number of 2009 and 2010 vintages of Batailley recently that have totally sung at 10 years old and you can easily see that this vintage will deliver the same enjoyment. Drinking Window 2028 - 2042