The 2015 Batailley is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot cropped at 48 hl/ha picked between 17-30 September. Matured in around 55-60% new oak, it has a very focused, intense bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, cedar and mineral notes, perhaps a little Margaux-like in style as those violets blossom with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, well-judged acidity, a touch of white pepper here lending edginess, gradually building to a very composed and structured finish. This is an excellent Batailley, meliorated by the introduction of a second wine, that continues the upswing in quality over the last six or seven years. I would not be surprised if this settles at the top of my banded score once in bottle. 93-95 points

Good broad fruit and depth of flavour from old vines. Always forward at this stage, but it gains in barrel and ages very well. 90 points

48 hl/ha. Very dark crimson. Attractive fresh minerality. Many steps up from Lions de Batailley. Racy and quite muscular. Not very intense but well balanced and with sufficient energy. 16.5/20 points

Soft, attractive and easy on the palate, this fig and orange peel-scented blend is supple and beguiling on the palate, with scented vanilla oak and some underlying acidity. A good wine for the medium term. Drink. 2020-28. 91 points