Not quite everyone bridged today's French bank holiday. Frederic Casteja released his family's superb 2011 Batailley. His father Philippe now has much more control over the management of the estate and is putting much more emphasis on quality. The two of them explained to us that 2011 was like no other vintage. The time from veraison (when the grapes change colour) to picking was 70 days - against the normal 50. The total volume is 30% down on 2010. This should provide delicious drinking in the medium term. Once again, it will probably be the best buy in Pauillac.
'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.' - Neal Martin, erobertparker.com/winejournal
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Halves & magnums £10 extra per 9 litre case; other formats on request
