Beau-Séjour Bécot 2018

The 2018 Beau-Séjour Bécot has really closed down since I tasted it en primeur. Inky red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint and blood orange gradually open in the glass, all framed by veins of chalky minerality. The 2018 is a fabulous wine in the making, but readers have to be patient. Time in a decanter or simply in the glass helps to bring out the wine's considerable depth.

The 2018 Beau-Séjour Bécot is nicely detailed on the nose of pixelated black fruit laced with raspberry and subtle floral scents; back notes of marmalade come through with aeration. The pliant palate is medium-bodied with luscious tannins disguising the structure behind this Saint-Émilion. I suspect that it might close up for a period before blossoming with bottle age. This is a sophisticated and very well-crafted wine that will age with style and panache.

The 2018 Beau-Sejour Becot is a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it slips slowly, sensuously from the glass with notes of boysenberries, black raspberries, baked plums and chocolate-covered cherries, plus hints of star anise, dried Provence herbs and lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate offers soft textured, perfumed black fruit layers with just enough freshness and a lifted finish. A little closed and shy at this youthful stage, give it a good 5-6 years in bottle and enjoy it over the next 25 years or more. 2026 - 2051