Chateau Batailley, 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 2008

"The 2008 Batailley is a 22% Merlot, 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, a late harvest according to Philippe Castéja that finished on 20 October. It has a deep garnet core with little sign of ageing on the rim. The bouquet is fresh and vibrant: blackberry and boysenberry fruit intermixed with cedar and bay leaf. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp cranberry and blackberry fruit laced with white pepper, cedar and smoke. There is body and density afforded to this Batailley: a solid and trustworthy Pauillac." - Neal Martin