2004 Chateau Batailley 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 12x750ml

Vinous 88

The 2004 Batailley has an uncomplicated bouquet with mainly red fruit, wild hedgerow and pencil box. There’s plenty of sous-bois here, and it defines the aromatics. The palate is traditional Pauillac, quite masculine with dry tannins, light black fruit laced with tobacco and a touch of graphite. It’s a bit austere on the finish. [Neal Martin, 06/06/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2030

Robert Parker 86

Tasted at a vertical tasting at the chateau. The 2004 Haut Batailley was very closed on the nose and I actually prefer the 2003 in terms of personality. It reluctantly offers tarry black fruit, smoke and tobacco but it feels quite pinched. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, nicely balanced and though not a complex Pauillac, there is a slightly meatiness on the finish as its moves into secondary flavors that partly compensates for the meanness of the aromatics. Perhaps another couple of years in bottle might help. That said, instincts tell me that the best years might already be behind it. Tasted July 2016. [Neal Martin, 01/04/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2025

JancisRobinson.com 16.5

Big and beefy. Muscular but a good Batailley. Though two of three bottles were out of condition. [05/03/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025