| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
With its distinctive label of a sailing boat, Beychevelle is a Bordeaux that is popular the world over. Always one of the most forward and "user-friendly" of the Saint Julien classed growths, this is a wine that is usually made to give relatively early drinking pleasure rather than to win academic blind tastings. We have noticed a significant step-up in quality in recent vintages. The percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon is low for the Northern Médoc and there is always a high percentage of Merlot in the final blend. From a vineyard that is 90 hectares in size. Always polished and supple, it is in huge demand in China where it is known as "Dragon Boat Wine".
The 2024 was made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. 13.3% alcohol. Yield 43 hl/ha
The 2024 Beychevelle was picked from September 24 until October 9 and will mature in 70% new oak. This has a nicely composed, warm and sensual bouquet with plush blackberry, cassis and touches of violet. The 42% Merlot is very expressive. The palate is medium-bodied with, again, quite luxuriant tannins that lend this Beychevelle more comeliness than you would anticipate given the growing season. Perhaps it just misses a little sustain on the finish, but otherwise, this is a fine Saint-Julien. 13.3% alcohol. 2029 - 2050
Mid-deep ruby colour. The nose is wild with balsamic and strawberries, seeming a little jagged from the sample that we tasted. The palate has slightly darker fruit and a silky entry. The tannins are gentle and unobtrusive to the fruit, but the acidity here is razor sharp. The wine finishes very fresh and perhaps a little tart, coated with a little sweet spice and wood char in an attempt to push the sweetness.
Deep garnet-purple colored. Black cherries, fresh red currants and mulberries scents slowly emerge from the glass, plus hints of wild sage and pencil lead. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers red berry and savory flavors with great tension and lightly chewy tannins, finishing with a skip in its step.
Deep ruby cherry colour, this opens with bright plum and blackberry fruits, laced with cloves, white pepper, apple blossom. St Julien signature but the acidity accentuates the tannic grip at this point. Grands Millésimes De France, 41hl/ha yield.
The 2024 Beychevelle might very well be the wine of the vintage in Saint-Julien. It is certainly among the very best I tasted on the Left Bank. Plush, inky and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2024 is so silky and inviting. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mocha and spice are some of the many notes that stain the palate. The sustained, resonant finish is a thing of beauty. Tasted two times. 2032 - 2054
Good depth and complexity here from this light, acid-driven vintage. Violets, fresh herbs, blackcurrants, berries and a touch of paprika and white pepper. Bright and succulent on the palate with firm, crunchy tannins and a structured finish.
