2010 Chateau Batailley

ABOUT THE WINE

Château Batailley is the flagship estate of Borie-Manoux and the Castéja family, and one of the oldest wineries in the Médoc. Its name derives from a battle ("bataille") fought during the Hundred Years’ War on the very land where the château and vineyards now stand. The estate covers around 60 hectares and has earned a reputation for producing classic, structured Pauillac wines. The 2010 vintage was exceptional in Bordeaux, offering ideal conditions for ripe, balanced fruit and long-lived wines. Grapes were hand-harvested and fully de-stemmed before fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation occurred partly in tank and partly in barrel, followed by 16 months of ageing in 60% new French oak barrels. Subtle winemaking evolutions since 1995 have helped refine the estate’s style, lending greater finesse while maintaining Pauillac’s trademark depth and power. Cabernet Sauvignon (approx. 74%), Merlot (23%), Petit Verdot (2%), Cabernet Franc (1%)

TASTING NOTES

The 2010 Château Batailley is a powerful and refined Pauillac, showing textbook notes of blackcurrant, cedar, graphite and cigar box. The core of cassis and dark cherry fruit is layered with savoury herbs, violets, and finely integrated oak. The tannins are firm and structured but polished, supporting a wine of excellent balance and ageing potential. The finish is long and classic, marked by fresh acidity and Pauillac’s signature minerality.

FOOD PAIRING

Perfect with roast duck or game birds, braised veal shank with root vegetables, and seared, dry-aged beef. Also pairs beautifully with mushroom-based dishes and hard cheeses like aged Comté or Gruyère.

FRIARWOOD SAYS

A benchmark 2010 claret — drinking beautifully now with a decant, but built to evolve gracefully through the 2040s. Classic Pauillac power, with elegance and polish in equal measure.