The Society's 150th Anniversary Pauillac 2015 is no longer available
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The Society's 150th Anniversary Pauillac 2015
Wine characteristics
- Red Wine
- Medium-bodied
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- 75cl
- Now to 2036
- 13.5% Alcohol
- oak used but not v. noticeable
- Cork, natural
More on the wine
Owned for a century by one of Bordeaux’s dynastic families, the Castéjas, Château Batailley is a classed growth claret that combines all the classic characteristics of the wines of the Pauillac commune, with sensible pricing and an unerring ability to age beautifully. Batailley has been a favourite among Wine Society members for decades. It is located towards the south of the commune and as such produces wines that don’t take forever to hit their sweet spot, in contrast to wines from further north in the appellation.
The blend is 77% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 3% petit verdot, matured in French oak barrels, 55% of which were new and 45% of which were one year old, for 18 months. We purchased the wine ‘en primeur’ back in 2016 when the 2015 vintage was still in barrel. The intention was to ensure that by the time 2024 came along the wine would be nearing its drinking peak. We're delighted that the wine has turned out every bit as exciting as when we tasted a barrel sample eight years ago.
Château Batailley
Château Batailley is one of the oldest buildings in Pauillac and has always appeared on regional maps. The name originates from the battles which took place during the 14th century on the plateau neighbouring Château Latour. The château was re-styled in the 18th century providing magnificent cellars for ageing the wines, and was classified a fifth growth in 1855. It is surrounded by a park covering six hectares designed by Barillet-Deschamps, landscape gardener to Napoleon III.
The property is owned and lived in by the Castéja family who also own Lynch Moussas, Beau-Site, Trotte Vieille and Domaine de l’Eglise. Since Philippe Castéja took over the running of the estate from his father, there has been considerable investment in both vineyard and cellar and this property, which was always reliable, is making better and better wine.
The vineyards are planted on deep gravel typical of Pauillac, with excellent natural drainage. Batailley has made consistently good claret, popular with Society members over many years, but recent vintages have shown riper, sweeter fruit, undoubtedly in part due to the informed guidance of influential consultant the late Professor Denis Dubourdieu.
JancisRobinson.com
Fine tannins, very Pauillac in style with leafy Cabernet Sauvignon leading the way. No hurry to drink.