Viniou Reviews
Château Batailley 2016 is a classic Pauillac from the heart of the Médoc, situated on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. This red wine is predominantly a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, as is traditional for the appellation. The 2016 vintage benefited from an exceptional growing season, with a wet early spring followed by a hot, dry summer and ideal ripening conditions in the run-up to harvest. The vineyards sit on deep gravel soils over a subsoil of clay and limestone, lending the wine notable structure and complexity. Vinification is meticulous, with careful extraction, and the wine spends eighteen to twenty months ageing in French oak, about 55% of which is new—a hallmark of the château’s style.
Pauillac itself is one of Bordeaux’s most esteemed communes, famed for producing wines of remarkable power and longevity. The gravelly terrain naturally drains excess water, forcing the vines to root deeply, which contributes to the intensity and nuance in the finished wine. The proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates the local climate, protecting vineyards from extreme temperatures and encouraging slow, even ripening. Pauillac’s history is steeped in winemaking tradition, with several of Bordeaux’s most renowned châteaux calling the region home.
For food pairings, Château Batailley 2016 shines alongside classic French cuisine. Its firm structure and dark fruit intensity are a superb match for roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, grilled entrecôte steak, or duck breast with blackcurrant sauce. Traditional Pauillac fare, such as shoulder of Pauillac lamb or a rich Bordelaise sauce, will elevate the wine further. Hard cheeses like aged Comté or a mature Cheddar also make excellent companions.
When serving, Château Batailley 2016 should be decanted for at least an hour to allow its bouquet to open fully. The ideal tasting temperature is between 16 and 18°C, revealing the wine’s cassis and cedar notes while keeping the tannins smooth and balanced. This wine will continue to develop over the coming decade, so patience will be rewarded for those who wish to cellar it further.
