Chateau Batailley 5eme Cru 2000

Decanter: Warming dried herbs, intense florals and savoury charm define the nose of this 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc blend. Sunny ripe fruit meets gorgeous lively acidity on the palate – fun, fruity and vibrantly alive despite its age. So juicy, with touches of leather and earth plus a striking bloody iron tang that brings real minerality to the glass. A classic claret that has lost its baby fat but kept the fruit and acidity front and centre. Cherry and raspberry fruit shine, tannins are super-fine, and chocolate, cigar and vanilla notes emerge. Simply excellent. 97/100 (2026)

Jane Anson: Tawny rose in colour, opens with melted tannins, undergrowth, dried leaf, black truffle, gentle baking spice, tertiary and full of charm, in a sweet spot for diniking, if more evolved than some Pauillac 2000s. This was the last vintage of Emile Casteja, who had been heading up the estate from 1961 until his death in 2000. 55% new oak for ageing, Arnaud Durand winemaker. 94/100 (2025)