Chateau Batailley 2013

An open nose of black fruit, violets, sweet vanilla, roasted coffee, and undertones of leather and smoked meat. The taste is as lightish and fresh as the nose, so there are fresh cassis and plum juicy, with heaps of other blue and black fruit bursting through the mid-palate. Tones of chocolate, textured tannins, and coffee beans follow—simple and medium finish. It is approachable now but will age for some years. The tannins are sweet, and the wine has adequate weight, density, opulence, and richness that is good enough for a Pauillac Cru at a lesser vintage.   Grand Vin is a blend 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 

Currently owned by Xavier Borie, this Pauillac estate sits next to Haut-Batailley and is just south of Borie's other famous château, Grand-Puy-Lacoste. It is one of the oldest estates in the Médoc. The name derived from a battle ("Bataille") where the chateau and vineyard are today during the 100-year war in 1452. In this battle, the French re-conquered the neighbouring Chateau Latour from the English, a crucial point in the history of Aquitaine.   Does it matter who won the battle? Knighted by Napolean III as the 5th Growth of 1855, Chateau Batailley may not have the elegance of the British Chateau Latour from the First Growth, but it is now very well made, keeps on improving and has been well-liked by the drinkers, novice and seasoned alike with its high cost-performance. Chateau Batailley is never the most stylish Pauillac, but its reputation for consistent quality and good value makes it one of the most famous wines in the Hong Kong market.

Scores are consistently at 91 to 92 point levels. RP 91 writes, ' A wine consistently exceeding vintage expectations, this is a Batailley drinking very well at a decade old. It is mid garnet in colour, with bold wood spice meets cherries, leather, and a hint of game on the nose. Supple in tannin but bright in acids, this medium-bodied Pauillac hits the classic notes of cedar, graphite and hedgerow fruit in a moreish, compact frame. Meaty, spicy notes bolster the finish with a delicate, fine balance. Drink it now or over the coming 5-8 years. Edited. 

JS92 writes,  'This is very 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. Edited. 

Farr 91 writes, ' Mid ruby garnet in the glass, the nose here showcases Bataille's oak regime, with roasted coffee and exotic spices bolstering fresh red fruits. The palate is bright and crunchy, with vibrant red fruits and powdery, resolved tannins. This mid-weight and compact wine shows none of the green or stalky edges of the vintage. Bright, light, and ready to drink, it should provide good mid-term drinking pleasure over the next 8 years.' Edited.