Château Batailley Pauillac Grand Cru Classé 2017

Introduction

Château Batailley Pauillac Grand Cru Classé 2017 is a distinguished red wine from the esteemed Château Batailley, a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru Classé) estate in the iconic Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. Consistently celebrated for its classic Pauillac character, Batailley offers a wine that is both powerful and approachable. The 2017 vintage, known for its challenging weather but ultimately yielding elegant wines, promises an expression of Bordeaux’s Left Bank that showcases structure, purity of fruit, and remarkable aging potential, embodying the timeless dedication of this historic château.

Character Description

The Château Batailley Pauillac Grand Cru Classé 2017 presents a deep, vibrant ruby-red hue with youthful purple reflections. It offers an intensely aromatic bouquet of ripe blackcurrant, dark cherry, and wild blackberry, interwoven with classic Pauillac notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, lead pencil, and a hint of smoky minerality. On the palate, it delivers a medium to full-bodied and well-structured texture, with concentrated dark fruit flavors mirroring the nose. It’s supported by firm, fine-grained tannins that provide excellent backbone and longevity, balanced by a refreshing acidity that ensures vitality. The finish is long, precise, and savory, leaving a lingering impression of dark berries, complex spice, and the distinctive classicism of Pauillac. The overall impression is one of harmonious power, significant depth, and the evolving complexity typical of a top Left Bank Bordeaux.

Perfect Pairings

This distinguished Pauillac is an exceptional partner for classic and robust meat dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, grilled beef (such as prime rib or a hearty steak), game meats like venison or wild boar, and rich mushroom preparations. Its firm tannins and savory notes also make it an ideal accompaniment to aged, hard cheeses such as mature Comté or a sharp Cheddar. The wine’s depth and aging potential make it a fantastic choice for a special dinner, a memorable celebration, or for those who appreciate the evolving beauty of a well-crafted Bordeaux. Decanting for at least two hours is highly recommended to allow its full expression.

About the Winery

Château Batailley is a historic and highly respected Fifth Growth estate in Pauillac, with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It has been owned by the Castéja family (via the Borie-Manoux firm) since 1932, making it one of the longest continuously family-owned classified growths. The château is known for its extensive vineyards, which are meticulously managed to produce wines that are consistently reliable, offering true Pauillac character – power, structure, and longevity – at a fair price. Their philosophy emphasizes traditional Bordeaux winemaking techniques to express the purity of their gravelly terroir. The 2017 vintage is a true representation of Château Batailley’s dedication to consistency, its unique heritage, and its ability to consistently deliver high-quality, classic Bordeaux wines that offer exceptional value.