Chateau Batailley 2011
Dark ruby, tight rim. On the nose, fresh cassis, lead pencil, mineral, mint and liquorice. Fat. Still tight. On the palate, it is quite fat with blackcurrant and black cherry, backed by dark chocolate and liquorice the richness of flavour giving flesh towards the back. It is not so concentrated as 2009 and 2010, of course, but the palate provides structure, some weight and depth of fruit.
Consumers compare Batailley and Haut Batailley. Batailley tends to be more bodied, warmer and Pauilac; Haut Batailley has even better structure with an St Julien type of personality. While both are proper claret, the Tasting Team likes Batailley typically.
A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon (the highest ever), 11% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, so there is some complexity. Harvest dates are normal. To concentrate fruit, they undertook two green harvests though. Some 55% new oak. Production is mere 38hl/HA.
Parker et al. think it is the right time to begin drinking Batailley 2011. The Tasting Team imagine full decanting for 1 hour may be required. RP score is 91.
