2005 Château Batailley, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Description
Deeply coloured with a crimson hue, this was remarkably expressive at first taste before decanting for a few hours. Instinctively, I was expecting a muscular and brooding Batailley, such is the nature of the vintage, but rather quite the opposite with a silky and seductive wine which showcased layer upon layer of complexity, forest fruits and blackberry pie, through to cedar and spice box. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still plentiful structure keeping this completely alive, the tannins finely etched into the background, and acidity plays a balancing role; however, I find the wine is in harmony at present, with 16 years under its belt.
With an opportunity to do this justice, I served alongside a roasted rare topside of fine beef and couldn’t have asked for more - this was absolutely singing, with mineral freshness and impressive length to boot. I would certainly recommend this food pairing. Otherwise, it is extremely enjoyable on its own after a few hours in a decanter. Undoubtedly, it will give for another 10-15 years, but there is certainly no harm in cracking open some 2005 Ch. Batailley now! A stalwart of Pauillac from a brilliant vintage, it’s a reminder of how good Bordeaux can be….Fabulous.
Chris Lamb, Account Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd
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Colour
Red -
Sweetness
Dry -
Vintage
2005 -
Alcohol
13% -
Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon,Merlot,Petit Verdot -
Body
Full Bodied -
Producer
Château Batailley
Critics reviews
Tasted blind
Deep, dark crimson. Well balanced and fresh. Zippy. Lots of racy freshness at last!
Drink 2016 - 2030
Hold +2 years or carafe for 3 hours.
Old school charm, well balanced, pencil lead, crayon, graphite, cassis, plum, mint leaf, signature Batailley, bounding energy, in the way that Gloria was finessed classic St Julien, this plays the same role in Pauillac. That sums up why 2005 works - so drinkable today and yet will keep on delivering for 30 years. Love this. It doesn't shout out its presence but just exudes confidence and restrained power. 50% new oak, Denis Dubourdieu consultant, Philippe Castéja owner.
Drink 2022 - 2040
The 2005 Batailley is dark in hue with a little ageing 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.
Drink 2028 - 2055
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.
Renowned Bordeaux oenologist Denis Dubourdiu oversees the winemaking at all of the properties owned by Philippe Casteja, which includes Batailley. Their 2005, one of the finest efforts this estate has yet produced, is backward, tannic, and almost primordial in style. Built for the long-term, it offers plenty of sweet creme de cassis fruit intermixed with smoke, cedar, and earth notes. Full-bodied and powerful, it is an old-style Pauillac with well-integrated acidity and sweet but elevated tannins.
Drink 2015 - 2035