Château Batailley, Lions de Batailley, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France 2015

This second wine from Pauillac fifth growth Château Batailley showcases the excellent 2015 vintage. As you'd expect it's majority Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), and comes from younger vines than you'd find in the grand vin. The wine aged in barrel for 18 months, a portion new, and has been evolving in bottle since then. It has it all: fresh black fruit, chocolatey darkness and earthy, tobacco notes, with good structure and smooth tannins. It's pretty much at its peak, one to enjoy over the next year or so with a nice joint of beef or leg of lamb.