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93 Robert Parker
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.
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Château Batailley

Château Batailley is one of the oldest estates in Pauillac and has held the rank of Fifth Growth (Cinquième Grand Cru Classé) since the renowned 1855 Classification. Its name is believed to refer to a battle fought on these lands in 1453 during the Hundred Years' War. Vine cultivation has been documented here since the 17th century, reflecting the rich winemaking heritage of this historic property.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Daniel Guestier acquired the estate and embarked on an ambitious programme of modernisation, expanding the vineyard and enhancing the quality of its wines. These efforts helped secure Château Batailley's place in the prestigious 1855 Classification. In 1924, Marcel and Francis Borie purchased the property, marking the beginning of its association with the Borie-Castéja family. Following the division of the estate in 1941, Marcel retained Château Batailley, while the remaining portion became Château Haut-Batailley.

Since the early 2000s, under the leadership of Philippe Castéja, Château Batailley has continued its unwavering pursuit of excellence. In 2006, the estate inaugurated a new vat room, allowing for precise parcel-by-parcel vinification. Today, this historic property remains deeply rooted in its identity and in the terroir of Pauillac, preserving and carrying forward centuries of winemaking tradition.