Batailley 2017

Deep crimson. Sweet cassis and light-handed oak giving a very slight char. Quite chewy on the palate, a little austere with the structure outmanoeuvring the fruit at the moment.Drink 2025-2034

Brooding rich fruits on the nose the palate has concentration a rich mix of black fruits black cherry backed by sloe and cassis. Breadth of fruit in the middle depth of flavour at the back the finish has a rich mix of fruits. Drink 2025-2039.

Very clean and fresh and while not overly complex this is a very complete and satisfying wine. The oak is perfectly judged and the fruit is dense and compact while retaining freshness.

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Batailley gallops out of the gates with notes of baked redcurrants, black raspberries and blackcurrant pastilles plus wafts of cedar chest, bay leaves and rosehip tea. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black fruits with a firm, grainy texture and lively lift to the finish. 2021 - 2037

The 2017 Batailley was picked between 19 and 27 September at 52hl/ha. Like the deuxième vin, the nose demands coaxing from the glass, initially quite restrained with cedar and cigar box infused black fruit that finally begin to unfold after five minutes. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannin, fine depth and balance, well judged acidity and a precise, quintessential Pauillac finish. This feels long on the aftertaste – a fine follow-up to the 2015 and 2016 and it may well land at the top of my banded score. Tasted three times with consistent notes. Drink 2022 - 2040.

This is a classically structured young Pauillac with tannins that roll over the finish. Medium to full body and a bright aftertaste.

Blended of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Batailley gives profound notes of crème de cassis, preserved plums and licorice over a core of espresso, tapenade and Marmite toast. Medium-bodied with a ripe, firm backbone of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness supporting the vivacious, sustained fruit, it finishes long with a red fruit lift.