Joanin Becot 2019

Juliette Bécot (also of Château Beau-Séjour Bécot in Saint-Émilion) has done great work in this vintage! The 2019 Joanin Bécot reveals an abundance of cassis, blueberry, flower and violet aromas overlaid with a nuance of graphite. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is perfectly balanced and framed by fine, controlled tannins and power. This wine made a significant impression on me.

The 2019 Joanin Bécot has quite a precise nose, a mélange of red and black fruit laced with cedar and graphite. It unfurls nicely in the glass though never achieves the complexity of the 2019 Carignan. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, plenty of graphite infused black fruit, a bit old school yet harmonious and delineated. This has potential - it just requires time in bottle. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.

A perfumed nose of cherries, currants, plums, violets, clay and baking spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Fruity and balanced with a fresh, supple finish. 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc. Drink from 2023.

The Bécot family (of Beau-Séjour Bécot) took over this vineyard in Castillon in 2001, with Juliette and her husband Julien given this vineyard to work with to prove their skills before taking over Bécot itself in 2017. The vineyard sits higher up than the plateau of Saint Emilion, and is a cool site for the region. The wine now contains 20% wholebunch, used on both the Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It sees 40% new oak, but also large casks and some amphoras. The nose is sweet and fragrant, with hints of iron filings under blueberry and crunchy red cherries. The palate is supple and smooth, with fine tannins yielding immediately into the fruit. A charming but quite sophisticated Castillon, it showcases the impressive changes that are now on display in Bécot itself at a very good price point.