2023 Batailley (Pauillac)

The 2023 Batailley has a well-defined bouquet with sappy blackberry and bilberry fruit, well-integrated oak, the typical classic Batailley style with a bit of panache. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very well balanced, slightly powdery in texture, with ample weight on the finish. It is built in a more approachable style compared to the wines of 10 to 20 years ago, a smooth operator! 94 points

You want to know what Pauillac tastes like, roll up and enjoy this vintage of Batailley. Squid ink, slate, cassis, bilberry, slate, crayon, black chocolate, plenty of tannic grip, a smudge of grilled cedar oak and a squeeze of mint, it`s all here. 57% new oak for ageing. Harvest September 12 through to October 5, Axel Marchal consultant, Philippe and Frederic Casteja owners. 96 points

The 2023 Batailley is an ample, large-scaled Pauillac. Even so, I find it quite restrained and not particularly expressive at this stage. There`s good vibrancy to the red-toned fruit. Hopefully elevage will do the trick here. 90-93 points