From the famous chateau estate of the Castéja family, the 2012 Batailley is a very strong effort. This is a big-time sleeper of the vintage. A dense purple wine with loads of crème de cassis, blueberry notes, background forest floor and cedar, this is a strong effort from Batailley and may well usher in a new era for this fifth-growth chateau that is capable of producing great wine. The tannins are sweet and the wine has an opulence and richness that is rare for a Médoc in 2012. Drink it over the next 25 years.

The blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot produced a wine with cassis, black cherry, earth and a hint of oak on the nose, soft tannins and classic, Cabernet Sauvignon finish. This is showing much better in bottle than it did in barrel, which is always a good sign.

EN PRIMEUR - Profound, dense and mineral nose with black fruits. The palate is also fruity, it is crisp and easy-drinking with a spicy oak note on the finish. A good wine.