2004 Château Batailley
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Batailley has long been one of the "hidden pleasures" of this vintage. Now at 14 years of age I find no reason to alter that view. Here it has a pure bouquet with blackberry, cedar and a touch of kirsch, the latter a trait that I have not noticed before. The palate is medium-bodied with a structured, slightly austere entry. Then it opens up nicely and reveals plenty of black fruit and quite a dense structure. Yes, it remains a bit foursquare in typical Batailley fashion, but that tobacco-infused finish is just what you expect from any upstanding Pauillac. Enjoy this now and over the next 12 to 15 years. Tasted at the château.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Pale rim. Rich crimson. Sweet start and a bit tough and tart on the end. A lesser Pauillac, surely? (JR)
Big and beefy. Muscular but a good Batailley. Though two of three bottles were out of condition. (JR)
About the producer
It was on the site of Batailley in 1453 that one of the final battles (or “batailles”) of the Hundred Years’ War took place. Today owned by the Castéja family, the Fifth Growth is renowned for producing wine that is the epitome of classic Claret.