2008 Château Batailley 5eme Crand Cru Classeé MAGNUM

The 2008, which was harvested between October 2-15, is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It exhibits Batailley's well-known tannic profile, but the high level of polyphenols in this vintage equates to sweet tannins and no astringency whatsoever. A deep purple color is followed by sweet aromas of creme de cassis, forest floor, damp earth, licorice, and a subtle hint of wood. Part of the Batailley vineyard is only 800 meters from the St.-Julien border, but this is a classic Pauillac. The 2008 should be drinkable in 4-5 years, and last for 25-30.Proprietor Philippe Casteja built a beautiful new winemaking facility in 2006, and he is now working closely with the famed Professor of Oenology at the University of Bordeaux, Denis Dubourdieu. The resulting wines reveal sweeter tannins without losing the structure, richness, or aging potential this wine typically possesses. The high tannin levels and backward character found in older vintages made the wines nearly unapproachable, but that has all changed. 90/92 Robert Parker, RobertParker.com (182), April 2009

Deep purple-red, pronounced blackcurrants nose with fragrance and complexity, good lifted fruit, not a blockbuster, but pure and rounded with a touch of leathery spice.

Barrel sample. Ripe, but firm wine, its blackcurrant freshness tucked into stark tannins. Black plum juice gives both acidity and sweetness. The final is a balanced wine, lifted by spice.