Château Batailley, 2013 (1.5L Magnum in Single Wooden Gift Box)

Description

Château Batailley, a 5th Cru of the classification of 1855, is Borie-Manoux’s and the Castéja-family’s flagship. The name is derived from the battle ("bataille“) that took place where the chateau and vineyard are today during the 100-years war around 1453. In this battle, the French re-conquered the neighbouring Chateau Latour from the English, a crucial point for ending the 300 year long reign of the English in Aquitaine. In the 16th century, the first vines were planted on these historical and blood soaked grounds.

Chateau Batailley’s 5ha-park was designed by BarilletDeschamps, Napoleon III’s park architect, in 1850. In 1855 Napoleon III created the classification for the Grands Crus Classés of the Medoc. And Batailley was knighted Grand Cru Classé.

Tasting Notes

Grape Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 2%Petit Verdot

The 2013 Batailley has a relatively backward bouquet, however, there is respectable fruit concentration here for the vintage: blackberry, cedar and cigar box, your typical traits for this estate. The palate offers commendable weight and extraction: not a Batailley of finesse or even complexity, though one with a modicum of presence and substance. Given this is a 2013 there is negligible under-ripeness on the tensile and almost steely finish. I can see this giving 10-15 years of pleasure and it represents a very commendable wine in the context of the growing season.

- Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Serving Suggestions

It goes ideally well with pork, chicken, roast and game meat, grilled or roasted and medium mature cheeses

Ratings

Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90, James Suckling 91-92