Batailley 1996

Batailley's 1996 is a well-structured, old style Pauillac with a dense ruby/purple color, earthy, cedar-tinged, black currant fruit in the aromatics and flavors, medium body, an excellent mid-palate, good depth, and a moderately tannic, firm, but pure finish. This very good to excellent Batailley will keep for two decades. Anticipated maturity: now-2020. Last tasted, 3/01.

Savoury, almost cheesey, nose. Minty cassis hints too. Rather an old-fashioned wine - no concessions to tannin management. Authentic Pauillac but some will find the dustiness offputting but there is lots of integrity here. Drink 2008-18