Chateau Batailley, Pauillac, Bordeaux 2016
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Château Batailley is a Fifth Growth estate in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux. Its 57-hectare vineyard lies on classic Pauillac gravel soils and is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc (3%), and Petit Verdot (2%). The vines average 40 years of age and are planted at a high density of 8,500 vines per hectare. The estate follows responsible viticulture practices and is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) Level 3. The name “Batailley” refers to a battle fought on the property during the Hundred Years’ War, while the château buildings date largely from the early 19th century.
The modern era began in 1924 when brothers Marcel and Francis Borie acquired the estate, marking the start of the Borie-Castéja period. In 1941, the property was divided, with Francis founding Château Haut-Batailley and Marcel retaining Château Batailley. Following vat house renovations in 2006, plot-by-plot winemaking was introduced. The wines are aged for a minimum of 12 months in French oak barrels, 60% of which are new, and are traditionally clarified with egg whites during the final six months before bottling.
Technical Information:
Vineyards: Pauillac, Bordeaux
Grape Varieties: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot & 3% Petit Verdot
Lees ageing: 18 months in 60% new oak barriques
Winemaker: Hugues Mathieu
Vineyard Manager: Didier Chadourne
Average age of vines: 38 Years old
Alcohol: 13%
Drink: Now to 2050+
Tasting Note: It has an intense graphite infused bouquet with fine delineation, some freshly picked Pauillac mint coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin that grip the mouth insistently; with graphite and tobacco-infused black fruit dominating, this a classically styled Batailley in the vein of previous vintages with the elegance coming through towards the finish. - Tasted by Neal Martin
The modern era began in 1924 when brothers Marcel and Francis Borie acquired the estate, marking the start of the Borie-Castéja period. In 1941, the property was divided, with Francis founding Château Haut-Batailley and Marcel retaining Château Batailley. Following vat house renovations in 2006, plot-by-plot winemaking was introduced. The wines are aged for a minimum of 12 months in French oak barrels, 60% of which are new, and are traditionally clarified with egg whites during the final six months before bottling.
Technical Information:
Vineyards: Pauillac, Bordeaux
Grape Varieties: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot & 3% Petit Verdot
Lees ageing: 18 months in 60% new oak barriques
Winemaker: Hugues Mathieu
Vineyard Manager: Didier Chadourne
Average age of vines: 38 Years old
Alcohol: 13%
Drink: Now to 2050+
Tasting Note: It has an intense graphite infused bouquet with fine delineation, some freshly picked Pauillac mint coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin that grip the mouth insistently; with graphite and tobacco-infused black fruit dominating, this a classically styled Batailley in the vein of previous vintages with the elegance coming through towards the finish. - Tasted by Neal Martin
