Batailley Pauillac 2016

96 points (18/20)/'Le Coup de Coeur,' La Revue du Vin de France: "Solid and built on a full body, with fruit and very pure tannins, this 2016 is equipped to stand the test of time. Its precision is exemplary. (2019)"

96 points James Suckling: "Shows beautiful, ripe cabernet aromas with currants, plums, meat and smoke. Flowers, too. Full body, deep and ripe fruit and exquisite, ripe tannins. Flavorful finish. Tight right now, but shows excellent potential. Best ever. Try after 2024. (6/22/21)"

95 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "This wine shows all the power of the vintage, with rich tannins and sumptuous black-currant fruit. A lot of expensive work has gone into bringing this estate up to this level and this excellent bottling is the result. Drink the wine from 2025. Alcohol 14%. (May 2019)"

93-95 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "The 2016 Batailley is a blend of 12% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 85% Cabernet Sauvignon cropped at 50h hectoliters per hectare. Matured in 60% new oak. It has an intense graphite infused bouquet with fine delineation, some freshly picked Pauillac mint coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin that grip the mouth insistently; with graphite and tobacco-infused black fruit dominating, this a classically styled Batailley in the vein of previous vintages with the elegance coming through towards the finish. This is one of those wines that grows on you, perhaps not as easy or as charming to taste as other Pauillac 2016s at this stage, but knowing this property well, I know how it can blossom when it matters, which is when you and I drink it. Drink: 2022-2050. (Apr 2017)"

94 ponts Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2016 Batailley just screams "Pauillac" on the nose - it could not come from anywhere else. Lovely tobacco and pencil box notes infuse the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with smooth tannin and a fine bead of acidity. Harmonious and less rustic than the Batailley of yesteryear, while maintaining its classic DNA. This is a superb wine from the Castèja family and should give many years of pleasure after several years in the cellar. Drink: 2022-2050. (Jan 2019)"

93 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "Upfront and confident on the attack, this shows a rich sweetness with cedar, damson and blackberry. It's big and weighty, and goes for impact - the oak is a little more evident than in some others. The acidity feels high at first, but it settles into itself. It's well-knitted with extremely impressive tannis - this needs time. Drinking Window: 2025-2038. (10/7/18)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "This is a bit subtle and old-school in approach, with singed juniper and alder elements out front followed by perfumy, lightly mulled currant and cherry fruit flavors. The wood notes reemerge through the finish along with savory and sanguine threads. Will age well; for fans of the style. Best from 2024 through 2038. (3/31/19)"

93 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Dark ruby, opaque core, discreet brightening at the rim, fine hints of prune, a touch of fig and tobacco. Medium complexity, nuances of blackberry and cassis, integrated tannins, somewhat developed, subtle nougat on the finish, a charming food wine. (5/24/17)"