2018 Batailley (Pauillac)

The Casteja family, headed up by Philippe and his son Frederic, make elegant, finessed and intensely `Pauillac` signature wines at Batailley, and I recommend this estate in 2018 for its deft handling of the vintage. Concentrated cassis and blackberry fruits, with a precision and well-cut heft to the tannins. Will age well, and be ready to go in four or five years. 60% new oak. 52hl/h. Tasted twice. 94 points

The 2018 Batailley, matured in 60% new oak, is almost identical on the nose as I found it in barrel, decked out with attractive black cherries and cassis notes, the cedar element a little heightened and freshly rolled tobacco notes developing with aeration. Very fine delineation here, and the oak is well integrated. The balanced palate offers fine tannins that frame the blackberry and bilberry fruit. The salinity comes through nicely on the finish, which is less silky than before, but it waves adieu with a long spicy aftertaste. Very fine and very Batailley. 93 points on the nose, with notes of grilled black cherry, the overarching style confident and sweet. The palate shows a very fine substance, rich and broad, with notes of blackcurrant, praline and some peppery nuances, along with great energy. In the end this is fresh, broad, grippy and cool. A hugely impressive Pauillac, brimming with tannic energy and potential. Well done. The élevage is in 60% new oak and 40% second-fill barrels. 93-95 points