2008 Ch. Batailley, Pauillac

A dollop of fresh blackcurrants and ripe black cherries announce this consistently good value Pauillac. With a lovely, balancing streak of acidity running throughout, Ch. Batailley is an harmonious and precise wine with smooth, integrated tannins and a long, savoury, mineral finish. Owner Philippe Castéja attributes this blend of ripeness and freshness to the unusual length of time between flowering and harvest (140 days) in 2008; unique conditions which allowed him to make, yet again, one of our favourite wines of the vintage.

The 2008 Batailley is a blend of 75% Cab. Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 3% Cab. Franc and Petit Verdot. It exhibits Batailley’s well-known tannic profile, but tannins are sweet 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. Philippe Casteja's working relationship with the famed Denis Dubourdieu produces wines that 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.
(Robert Parker- Wine Advocate - Apr 09)

Dense, complex crimson. Interesting, putty nose. Lots of intrigue here. Plush, broad, complex flavours already. Very lively. Sweet though more acid than tannin in evidence.
(Jancis Robinson MW - jancisrobinson.com - Apr 09)