2010 Château Batailley, Pauillac, Bordeaux

Ten years on, Bordeaux’s 2010s are looking to have fully matched, and perhaps exceeded, expectations. It’s clear that this is one of the great vintages of recent times, with its persuasive mix of intense flavour and freshness. And flavour is what this Batailley delivers.

Its colour is deep and brooding, which is a little misleading as both the bouquet and palate are replete with notes of leather and tobacco, themselves signals of maturity. Yet the wine is still compact and energetic. The wine’s attraction lies in its rich weave of lush fruit and ripe tannins, and its crowd-pleasing generosity is unparalleled. It is drinking perfectly now but never underestimate Batailley’s staying power; this easily has at least another 10 years in the tank, should you wish.

Mark Pardoe MW, Wine Director