An attractive nose of creme de cassis, earth and oak jumps from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored wine. A classic, impressive effort from the Casteja family, this 2011 transcends the vintage character, and is an unqualified success as well as a major sleeper of the vintage. Structured, rich, medium to full-bodied, pure and layered, it should be at its finest in 3-4 years, and keep for two decades. 87-88 points

Fairly intense garnet hue. Nose of fruit. Juicy and well-balanced performance. Run through with taste on the seamless palate. Average length and body. 89 points

This year, the 2011 is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon (the highest ever), 11% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc cropped at 38hl/ha between 14th and 26th September. During the growing season they had to undertake two green harvests and also sorted the crop twice. The nose is reticent at first and demands coaxing from the glass. It eventually reveals blackberry, cedar, a touch of oyster shell and just a very faint hint of orange blossom. It is nicely composed, although it does not have the bravura penetration of the 2010 or 2009. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins on the entry. It demonstrates fine weight and cohesion, good substance and depth of fruit whilst the finish is a little sinewy with touches of spice inflecting the blackberry and briary fruit. Fine and unashamedly very classic, as one would expect for Batailley. 90-92 points