Chateau Batailley, Pauillac, Bordeaux 2019
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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: 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot & 1% Petit Verdot
Lees ageing: 18 months in 60% new oak barriques
Winemaker: Hugues Mathieu
Vineyard Manager: Didier Chadourne
Average Vine Age: 40 Years
Alcohol: 14.5%
Drink: Now to 2055+
Tasting Note: Inky in colour, this is wine that you want to share with Pauillac lovers. So much cassis, bilberry, espresso, cocoa bean, fennel and aniseed. Big tannins but approachable, with slate, crayon and smoked earth adding contrast and texture to the frame. This is really one to look out for. - Tasted by Jane Anson
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: 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot & 1% Petit Verdot
Lees ageing: 18 months in 60% new oak barriques
Winemaker: Hugues Mathieu
Vineyard Manager: Didier Chadourne
Average Vine Age: 40 Years
Alcohol: 14.5%
Drink: Now to 2055+
Tasting Note: Inky in colour, this is wine that you want to share with Pauillac lovers. So much cassis, bilberry, espresso, cocoa bean, fennel and aniseed. Big tannins but approachable, with slate, crayon and smoked earth adding contrast and texture to the frame. This is really one to look out for. - Tasted by Jane Anson
