2014 Chateau Batailley

ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Batailley is Borie-Manoux’s and the Castéja-family’s flagship winery. One of the oldest estates in the Médoc the name is derived from the battle (“bataille”) that took place during the Hundred Years’ War and where the chateau and vineyard are sited today. The estate is currently experimenting with biodynamic farming techniques on a 5- hectare parcel. Overall vinification is pretty standard, with hand-harvested grapes fully de-stemmed before fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place partly in the tank, and partly in the barrel, and the wine is then aged in 60% new French oak for about 16 months before bottling. Since 1995, subtle changes have seen the wines achieve more delicacy and purity of fruit character, resulting in wines of greater finesse which still remain true to their Pauillac roots.

TASTING NOTES
Elegant and approachable vintage with crunchy raspberry coulis, a backbone of freshness, and a richness that shows itself on the finish with liquorice and spicy cedar. No need to wait extended periods to enjoy this wine...

FOOD PAIRING
From veal to pork, beef to duck - roasted, braised or grilled – this wine loves to partner with the savoury umami of classic meat dishes. Perhaps surprisingly it can also pair well with robust Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like seared tuna steak and full-flavoured vegetable gratins.

FRIARWOOD SAYS
This wine will never cease to surprise, glass after glass, and is unquestionably moreish. Drinking beautifully now but still retains some solid ageing potential.