Chateau Batailley 2017 Pauillac 5th Growth

93/100 Decanter "Charcoal, liquorice and blue fruit with a cool minty edge and pencil lead define the nose of this 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot blend. Succulent and juicy, it pulses with life – clean and lively, less immediately deep than 2018 but hugely fun and easy to drink. Good persistence, lifted and clean. Good to drink now with shoulders and muscle, yet without the sunny flesh of 2018. Strawberries, cherries, blueberries and hints of liquorice and graphite give the classic signature with less heft. Brilliant right now."