Batailley 2008

The 2008, which was harvested between October 2-15, is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It exhibits Batailley's well-known tannic profile, but the high level of polyphenols in this vintage equates to sweet tannins and no astringency whatsoever. A deep purple color is followed by sweet aromas of creme de cassis, forest floor, damp earth, licorice, and a subtle hint of wood. Part of the Batailley vineyard is only 800 meters from the St.-Julien border, but this is a classic Pauillac. The 2008 should be drinkable in 4-5 years, and last for 25-30.Proprietor Philippe Casteja built a beautiful new winemaking facility in 2006, and he is now working closely with the famed Professor of Oenology at the University of Bordeaux, Denis Dubourdieu. The resulting wines reveal sweeter tannins without losing the structure, richness, or aging potential this wine typically possesses. The high tannin levels and backward character found in older vintages made the wines nearly unapproachable, but that has all changed.

Tasted ex-château and single blind in Southwold. This has a rounded, intense nose with ample brambly black fruit, touch of raspberry leaf and cedar with good definition. Very bright and lively compared to its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy entry. Very supple tannins and a caressing mouthfeel considering the vintage. There are lush ripe red fruits intermingling with sous-bois on the finish. The Merlot is expressive and very attractive here. Just give this a few years to come into its own. Tasted January 2012.

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot cropped at 46hl/ha, the Batailley '08 has a wonderful cigar box infused nose that soars from the glass: brambly black fruits, a touch of smoke and cedar. Great definition - a sense of exuberance here. The palate is tannic, masculine, cedary with pencil-lead infused black fruits. It is the fineness of the tannins that has changed so much in recent vintages. Quintessential Pauillac. Superb.