Chateau Batailley 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 2005

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. Sums up why 2005 works - so drinkable today and yet will keep on delivering for 30 years. Love this. Doesn't shout out its presence, but it just exudes confidence and restrained power. 50% new oak, Denis Dubourdieu consultant, Philippe Castéja owner.

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.

Very muscular and powerful with lots of tannins now, but it will come around. Full body and dense. Leave this alone for three or four years.