"The 2016 Batailley is a blend of 12% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 85% Cabernet Sauvignon cropped at 50h hectoliters per hectare. Matured in 60% new oak. It has an intense graphite infused bouquet with fine delineation, some freshly picked Pauillac mint coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin that grip the mouth insistently; with graphite and tobacco-infused black fruit dominating, this a classically styled Batailley in the vein of previous vintages with the elegance coming through towards the finish. This is one of those wines that grows on you, perhaps not as easy or as charming to taste as other Pauillac 2016s at this stage, but knowing this property well, I know how it can blossom when it matters, which is when you and I drink it. Drink 2022 - 2050.
Score: 93/95."
( Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (230), April 2017)

"A tunnel of tannins takes you right through the palate, but it is not fully walled in as with 2010, rather the tannins are pliable and the overall feeling is of well controlled fruit that deepens as you go along. Wonderfully deep fruit flavours of blackberry and crushed cassis reside against black chocolate and well contained tannins. A lovely vintage that has power but is just the right side of big extraction. Good persistency with a coffee-scented finish.
This is a buy, for sure."
Score: 93.
( Jane Anson, Decanter Magazine, April 2017)


Château Batailley, a 5th Grand Cru Classé of the classification of 1855, is the family Castéja's and Borie-Manoux's flagship. It is one of the oldest estates in the Médoc. The name is derived from the battle ("bataille") - that took place where the chateau and vineyard are today - during the 100-years war in the in 1452. In this battle, the French re-conquered the neighbouring Chateau Latour from the English, a crucial point in the history of Aquitaine. A few years later the first vines were planted on this historical and blood soaked grounds.