Chateau Batailley Grand Cru Classe 2021
Country: France Region: Pauillac, Bordeaux
Varietal: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot
Vintage: 2021 Category: Red Wine Style: Dry
Producer: Chateau Batailley
Description:
Located south of Pauillac, Château Batailley is one of the oldest estates in the Médoc. Batailley's vines are situated on a gravelly plateau that descends towards the Gironde. The superb soil has excellent natural drainage ideally suited to the estate's combination of premium grape varieties. The wines are well-structured with ripe tannin and a typical blackcurrant bouquet of Cabernet Sauvignon at its best. Belonging to the Castéja family, the vines are tended with the greatest of care and the wine is made in cellars with the latest equipment. This technological capacity perfectly complements a first-class terroir fully worth of its classification as a great growth in the 1855 classification. The Chateau is now producing a second wine - Lions de Batailley - which means that production of the grand vin has fallen from 20,000 case to around 13,000 per annum. This selection process has further increased the quality of the grand vin.
93-94/100 Points - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
"Subtle aromas of currants and fresh flowers with some tar and graphite. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity. Very typical and bright for Pauillac. Linear and fine. Solid and tight. Well age nicely."
92-94/100 Points - Neal Martin, vinous.com
The 2021 Batailley was picked September 30 to October 15 and matured in 55–60% new oak. It has a well-defined, focused bouquet, a quintessential Pauillac nose of black fruit infused with cedar and mint. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of black pepper on the entry and delivers good depth and fine grip. This is a Batailley with commendable stuffing for the vintage and it fans out with gusto on the finish. It might not be the best Pauillac in 2021, yet I bet you won’t find better value for money, notwithstanding its underestimated propensity to age. Drink 2026-2050."
92/100 Points - Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com
"Stands out in the appellation, with density through the mid palate, and Pauillac signature coming through in the pencil lead, graphite and cassis notes. This is a good quality wine with a touch of blackcurrant bud and earth reflecting the cooler temperatures of the year, but plenty of depth and ageing potential. Tasted twice."
Food Matches: Chateau Batailley is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised and grilled dishes. Also great with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms and pasta.
