Lions de Batailley Pauillac 2018 - Second vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Successful in its lighter expression, but as precise and balanced as that of the grand vin. In short, just what you'd expect from its category.

About the domain :

Owned by the Castéja family, and intelligently advised by the late Denis Dubourdieu, the wine has rediscovered the fullness of its style, combining the power it often displayed between 1945 and 1961 with infinitely more purity and aromatic finesse. The wines have progressed spectacularly since the 2000s and represent one of Pauillac's most reliable value-for-money offerings. Since 2015, a second wine, lions-de-batailley, has enabled an even more rigorous selection of the grand vin blend.

Decanter

About the wine:

Classified in the category "Best Bordeaux Second Wines 2018" : Lions de Batailley offers excellent quality, with pencil lead and blackcurrant notes that place it perfectly in the Batailley family and make it a classic Pauillac. This wine is definitely worth keeping an eye on. 2023-2038

Guide Hachette des vins

About the domain :

The flagship of Borie Manoux, a venerable trading house founded in 1870 by the Castéja family, one of Pauillac's oldest families, and owner of the cru since 1932. A beautiful 55-hectare unit at the south-western end of the appellation, which owes its name to a battle that took place on these lands in 1453.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

Philippe Castéja produces a Pauillac of classic style and form, which has gained considerably in definition and precision in recent years. The wine also ages remarkably well, retaining a profile very typical of the Médoc's great wines, between straightforwardness and precision. Prices remain very affordable. We are delighted by the consistency and excellent level of recent vintages.

James Suckling

About the wine:

On the nose, the wine is perfumed with pretty flowers, redcurrants and a hint of sandalwood. It continues on a full body with very fine, caressing tannins that are polished and beautiful. Really creamy, concentrated and precise. Second wine. Drink after 2024.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Dense garnet-red with violet highlights. Maturation still defines the Lions' bouquet, but the fruit can develop just as well. Inviting notes of caramel and chocolate, followed by fruity nuances. The wine is fresh and tasty on the palate. Its well-integrated tannins offer good ageing potential, while freshness ensures accessibility. 2023-2038

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is racy, offering structure, a little concentration, freshness and power. There are notes of ripe/fresh wild blackcurrant, wild berries and, more lightly, red berries, combined with hints of lily, violet, zan, tobacco, dried rose and discreet hints of hazelnut. The palate is fruity, with juiciness, greediness, a certain richness (but with finesse and balance), an almost airy approach, a fine creaminess, fine grain, structure and roundness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, blackcurrant and, more slightly, wild raspberry, combined with hints of pulpy/chunky strawberry, violet and lilac, as well as hints of chocolate, toasted almond and a subtle touch of vanilla. Fine chewiness and greediness on the finish/persistence.