Viniou Reviews
Château Batailley’s 2017 Les Lions de Batailley is a classic Pauillac, emblematic of the finesse and structure that define the great estates of the Médoc. As the second wine of this historic château, Les Lions draws primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon, tempered with Merlot and a touch of Petit Verdot, yielding a blend that balances Pauillac’s signature power and elegance. The 2017 vintage, shaped by a challenging spring frost but benefiting from a fine late season, offers accessible tannins and vibrant fruit, with notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and subtle spice from well-integrated oak. The vinification respects tradition, with careful extraction and ageing in French oak barrels, a proportion of which is new, contributing finesse without overpowering the wine’s natural energy.
Pauillac sits at the heart of Bordeaux’s northern Médoc, its gravelly soils and proximity to the Gironde estuary providing ideal drainage and warmth for late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. The region’s maritime climate tempers extremes, nurturing slow, even ripening and enabling the development of complex aromatics and robust structures. Its history is rich with grand châteaux and centuries-old expertise, contributing to Pauillac’s status as one of the world’s most revered wine-producing communes.
Such a supple and structured Pauillac pairs elegantly with classic red meat dishes. A rack of lamb with rosemary, roast duck with a red wine jus, or entrecôte bordelaise are time-honoured choices. It also suits regional fare such as entrecôte à la bordelaise, accompanied by shallots and a sauce built from local wines. For a more contemporary pairing, consider grilled portobello mushrooms or a hearty lentil stew, which mirror the wine’s earthiness and depth.
To best appreciate Les Lions de Batailley 2017, decant for an hour to reveal its aromatic complexity and soften the youthful tannins. Serve at 16-18°C, which will allow the fruit and tertiary notes to shine through while maintaining the wine’s freshness and balance.
