2005 - Batailley, Pauillac

Such a wonderful vintage, and this is a standout in the lineup for its drinkability and quiet presence. Crayon, pencil lead, blackberry, cigar box, mint leaf, just a slow and steady unroll through the palate, and so drinkable. A wine to share, in a sweet spot now, but can easily be kept for another decade or more. Standout Pauillac. 50% new oak, Denis Dubourdieu consultant, Philippe Castéja owner. Love this vintage, and Batailley is a great example of it.

Tasted at the Batailley vertical tasting at the château, the 2005 Batailley continues to be an excellent Pauillac that I suspect is overshadowed by some of its more illustrious and, let's not forget, more expensive neighbors. Here, it has an effervescent bouquet with vibrant red berry fruit and superb mineralité. This is extremely well focused, with hints of rose petal emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with finer tannin than in previous years. I feel there is still some oak to be fully absorbed, so don't be afraid to cellar this 2005 for another four or five years; but, even at this early stage, you can appreciate its precision on the graphite-infused finish. The 2005 Batailley is where the estate began its upward swing that is continuing to this day. Tasted April 2016.

The 2005 Batailley is dark in hue with little aging on the rim. The nose is backward, tight and almost "moody", piqued that it did not undergo a three- to four-hour decant. Firm tannins frame the palate. The oak may not be as assimilated as the best 2005s. Dark chocolate and espresso hints develop with time in the glass. It hasn't moved much since I last tasted it, and it is just a bit formulaic. But I would keep it cellared for several more years as Batailley, in great vintages, has a propensity to age. Tasted at lunch in London.

Attractively well-melded nose but definitely lighter than most on the palate. Bone-dry finish. Very classic Pauillac. Should provide current pleasure. A certain mineral stoniness. GV (JR)