Batailley: quintessential Pauillac is Liv-ex members' top pick for value
The Casteja family, owners of Chateau Batailley, are noted for setting release prices en primeur that are lower than those of similar vintages already in the market, and their 2023 was one of the very few releases to be priced lower, even, than the (pandemic-era release of) 2019. It was the number 1 best value wine in this year's Liv-ex survey of its 620 trade members across 47 countries, and rightly so.
The chateau closes its books on 2023 en primeur sales at 4pm today which gives us a small window to revisit the release and order more wine. Neal Martin is the most influential critic covering Bordeaux today, and only 4 wines from Pauillac scored higher this vintage than Batailley - and the cheapest of those is nearly 4 times the price. This is quintessential Pauillac and a highly recommended addition to the cellars of fans of classic Bordeaux. /AR
'The 2023 Batailley was picked September 12 to October 5 at around 49hL/ha, matured in 57% new oak. It has an elegant and understated bouquet compared to the previous vintage, as with all châteaux, well-defined, with a light estuarine influence emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. It’s very bright and fresh and there’s plenty of fruit here. A deft, harmonious finish lingers in the mouth. This is an excellent Batailley.' 93-95 points, Neal Martin, vinous.com, April 2024
Offered subject to remaining unsold; for shipment Spring 2026
