Batailley 1982 75cl

Tasted at the Batailley vertical tasting at the château, the 1982 Batailley continues to perform well despite never really being the "go-to" Pauillac in this vintage. This might be the best of a dozen or so bottles that I have tasted over the years. The nose here is the most intense that I have encountered, with pencil shavings infusing the black fruit and cedar and a savory touch that becomes more pronounced as it opens. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition, a classic Bordeaux here with good structure and a bullish, tobacco-tinged finish that is conservative but does the job. It cuts away a little too swiftly, but there is just enough dryness to keep you returning for another sip. I can see this continuing on its plateau over the next 15-20 years; and, while it will never challenge the likes of Latour or Pichon-Lalande, it will satisfy a great number of wine lovers. Tasted April 2016.