Gently made wine. Subtly elegant nose. Very fruity, smooth and dense on the palate with refined tannins. Flavours of liquorice and violets. We`ll see what happens as it ages. A blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 2% petit-verdot, 1% cabernet franc. 92 points

The Château Batailley 2014, which Frédéric Castèja served before the Lynch Moussas instead of after, is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc matured in 55% new oak. He told me that hail in July touched the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines and decreased the yield to 33 hectoliters per hectare. It underwent a slow pumping-over and a warm maceration. It has a well defined and fresh bouquet, perhaps a little foursquare compared to recent vintages, light pencil shaving notes developing with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied is with rigid, unwavering tannin. masculine in style with a foursquare cedar and mint-tinged finish. This is a fine Batailley though not quite in the same class as some of their impressive recent vintages. The fast-improving Lynch Moussas might have the upper hand this year. 89-91 points

This château`s reputation for producing dependable, well-priced clarets is well deserved. This is a classic, Cabernet-based Pauillac, albeit in a comparatively approachable style. Focused acidity, medium structure and fine cassis and bramble fruit are supplemented by attractive oak. 91 points