Château Batailley

Family-owned

Owned by the Borie family since 1932, Château Batailley is now overseen by Denise and Emile Castèja of Borie-Manoux, who also own Château. Lynch-Moussas, Ch. Trotte Vieille and Domaine de l’Église. Often referred to as the jewel in the family crown, Batailley is managed by Philippe Castèja and his son Frédéric, continuing its long-standing tradition of family stewardship. For many years, Batailley was known for delivering solid, classically styled Pauillac. But in the last two decades, a significant focus on fruit quality and precision has brought new refinement and depth without losing the estate’s signature style.

Vineyard and winemaking

The estate’s 57 hectares of vineyards are planted in classic Pauillac proportions:

70% Cabernet Sauvignon
25% Merlot
3% Cabernet Franc
2% Petit Verdot

The deep gravel soils favour Cabernet Sauvignon, while the underlying clay and limestone are ideal for Merlot. Grapes are hand-harvested, parcel by parcel, ensuring attention to detail throughout the process. After full de-stemming, fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation (partly in tank, partly in barrel). The wine is aged in 225-litre French oak barrels, 55% new, for 16–18 months before bottling.

Second wine: Lions de Batailley

Since 2014, the estate has also produced Lions de Batailley, a second wine from younger vines. Lighter in style but unmistakably Pauillac in character, it offers an earlier approachability while staying true to the house style.