Beychevelle 2020

Rich and muscular, the 2020 Beychevelle offers up aromas of cassis, blackberries and baked plums mingled with notions of spices, pencil shavings and toasty new oak. Medium to full-bodied, thick and fleshy, with an ample core of fruit framed by powdery, generously extracted tannins that assert themselves on the finish, this is a more powerful, chunky Beychevelle than the suave 2019. 2027 - 2055

The 2020 Beychevelle was perplexing from barrel. Re-tasting it three or four times, I discerned a faint but nagging vegetal note on the finish, though it was not evident on a bottle subsequently tasted at the property, which governed my banded score. Returning to Bordeaux to taste the wines that had been bottled in June 2022, I certainly appreciate the bouquet that is clean and pure with blackberry, bilberry, cedar and background sous-bois aromas. The oak is beautifully integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and well-judged acidity. Quite intense black fruit laced with graphite, perhaps a tad more peppery than usual. On the first bottle encountered at a merchant, I picked up on the green note that sent alarm bells ringing. A second bottle at the château unequivocally showed no signs at all, very sleek and poised with a residual tingle of black pepper. Based on this sample, I am cautiously optimistic about this Beychevelle, though I will always keep a lookout for that trait.

A very polished and refined 2020 with a medium body, integrated tannins and a pretty texture. Nice currant, light chocolate and cedar undertones. Fresh finish. Drink after 2026.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2020 Beychevelle leaps with vibrant notes of crushed blackcurrants, juicy black plums, and black raspberries with fragrant hints of pencil shavings, dried roses, and aniseed. Medium-bodied, the palate is refined and elegant with bright acidity and fine-grained tannins, finishing long and earthy.

Big shouldered, layers of dark berry fruits, liqourice, cigar box, cloves and solid tannins, with character and depth, clear ageing potential. Muscular tannic construction, keeping its St Julien finesse a little hidden for now, but it will arrive with ageing, and you'd be hard pressed to be unhappy with drinking this 15 years from now. 47hl/h yield.

Full bottle 1,245 g. Cask sample taken 31 March. 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot.
Concentrated purple. Headily aromatic with mulberry perfume and just a hint of oak. Silky tannins and marked freshness. Neat and the opposite of opulent. Classic wine for the table. 13.5%
Drink 2028 – 2044

The 2020 is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot with a yield of 47hl/ha. The grapes were brought in from 14th-30th September. The Grand Vin represents 55% of the crop. Mid ruby in colour. Bright cherry fruit, herbs and toasted spices on the nose. The palate is fresh with red berries and a little cool blackcurrant. The tannins are crunchy against the fruit, sweetened by a little cinnamon spice. Floral and lifted on the finish.

(51% CS, 45% M, 4% PV; 55% harvest; 47hl/ha; 13.4% ABV)
Smells Merlot-plummy and subtly gravelly; full, fresh in acidity, very fine in tannin, a most delicious and particular balance; density and flesh, with a delicious freshness to taste, so easy at only 13.4% ABV; very finely tannic, long, juicy, characteristically fleshy from its 45% Merlot, remarkably harmonious and very satisfying; succulence, sap, complexity, and great length. Like the 2018 (especially), another magnificent Beychevelle, of slightly more classic proportions and style than either 2018 or 2019. In any case, a wonderful trio! The last trio of vintages, of both the Beychevelle and the Amiral, are a great achievement, in which Philippe Blanc can take very legitimate pride. 2030–50+.