Takes its time to unroll then shows sweetness to the black cherry and brambled blackberries fruits, followed by cigar, pencil lead and crushed stone. This is signature Batailley in that it has that essence-of-Pauillac feel. A delicious wine, such a great great drinking claret, really one to look out for in this vintage; already looking forward to drinking this in 10 years time. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 60% new oak. A yield of 42hl/ha. 94 points

The 2020 Batailley is quintessential Pauillac on the nose of very focused black fruit infused with cedar and graphite. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grippy tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Classic in style, this is lightly spiced, showing impressive depth toward the finish. This estate has enjoyed a good run of form in recent years and this 2020 continues that trend. If you love the style of Batailley, you will love this. 93-95 points

The 2020 Batailley is composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, aging for 12-14 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. The alcohol is 13.5%. Deep purple-black in color, it offers up notes of fresh blackberries, kirsch and cassis, leading to nuances of pencil shavings, dried Mediterranean herbs and fertile loam. The medium-bodied palate has well-managed, lightly chewy tannins with just enough freshness and straightforward black fruits, finishing with an herbal lift. 89-91+ points

Dark fruit with cassis notes and a graphite edge. Fine attack, juicy and refreshing but backed by a firmness of structure behind. Solid, subdued and distinctly Pauillac. Still relative value. 17 points