2022 - Batailley, Pauillac

You can't ignore the construction of the tannins here, but there is a plenty of juice in between and this is a gorgeous Batailley. On brand Pauillac, as it so often is, delivering slate, liquorice, energy, cassis, blackberry, orange peel, cardamom, black pepper, graphite, grip. Classic balance also, you don't feel you are in an extreme vintage here. Two thirds of the production is in the first wine of Batailley in this vintage. 55% new oak. A label in honour of Queen Elizabeth II also...

I find plenty of fragrant and spicy oak on the nose here, with a little trace of reduction in this bottle. The palate follows with very dark and reduced fruit, with a rich and toasty liquorice and damson character, before a finish that is wall-to-wall tannin. This is clearly one that will require a long slumber in the cellar before broaching. Even the finish is completely laden with tannin, drying and puckering the palate. The Castéja family have pushed this estate in this vintage, seemingly keen to place it among the great and most cellar-worthy wines;be prepared for a long wait for this one to come around.

The 2022 Batailley has quite a powerful bouquet with slightly blowsy black fruit, just a bit of alcohol here and the oak quite pronounced. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins and is actually much fresher and more complex than the aromatics, particularly on the finish. It just lacks a bit of sustain on the aftertaste but otherwise this is a superb Pauillac. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.

An especially strong effort for this estate, the 2022 Batailley exhibits aromas of dark berries, cassis, licorice and sweet soil tones, followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich and layered palate. It's a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and the balance Petit Verdot.

Tasted blind. Shaded dark crimson. Rich, very ripe nose. Rather soft impression. Not one for the long term but pretty. Fairly light in body but very long. (JR)