You want to know what Pauillac tastes like, roll up and enjoy this vintage of Batailley. Squid ink, slate, cassis, bilberry, slate, crayon, black chocolate, plenty of tannic grip, a smudge of grilled cedar oak and a squeeze of mint, it`s all here. 57% new oak for ageing. Harvest September 12 through to October 5, Axel Marchal consultant, Philippe and Frederic Castéja owners. 96 points

The 2023 Batailley is an ample, large-scaled Pauillac. Even so, I find it quite restrained and not particularly expressive at this stage. There`s good vibrancy to the red-toned fruit. Hopefully élevage will do the trick here. 90-93 points

The 2023 Batailley was picked September 12 to October 5 at around 49hL/ha, matured in 57% new oak. It has an elegant and understated bouquet compared to the previous vintage, as with all châteaux, well-defined, with a light estuarine influence emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. It’s very bright and fresh and there’s plenty of fruit here. A deft, harmonious finish lingers in the mouth. This is an excellent Batailley. 93-95 points