We shipped our first cases of 2016 Beaumont in March 2019 and over the past six years we have sold more than 2,500 cases of twelve. It sells to clubs, restaurants, retailers and, above all, our private clients who recognise real quality when they see it. It is safe to say that we know the wine well, though we decided to properly check in on it last week and taste it against some other clarets, most of which were at significantly higher price points.
Coming up to nine years old, 2016 Beaumont is a remarkably grown-up wine for the money. It has just fully dropped in to what is its plateau of maturity, where it will likely stay for another five years or so, and is a perfect example of everything that is great about the 2016 vintage – it has a poise, a lift, a crystalline purity - descriptors that one would normally associate with much grander offerings.
Château Beaumont sits between St Julien and Margaux, and shares ownership with Château Beychevelle. The vineyard covers 116 hectares in a single block and is planted to a typical Bordeaux blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Eric Boissenot, who consults for all four of the Médoc first growths, is consultant oenologist.
At £135 per dozen in bond, it works out at just over £17 per bottle including taxes, which is very little money for what is distinctly “proper”, mature claret from an outstanding vintage.
 | Region | Vintage | Wine | Qty | Size | Units | Price | Per | Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bordeaux | 2016 | Beaumont Volume Discount 5+ cases 130 each. | 122 \ 0 | 12×75cl | 10 | 135.00 | 12 | Beaumont | ||
| Wines are offered subject to remaining unsold. E&OE. | |||||||||||
The 2016 Beaumont has quite a powerful bouquet with dense black fruit, boysenberry and cedar, traces of pencil lead developing with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite spicy compared to its peers, then it reins everything back in for what is a refined finish. Classy stuff, but I would afford this a couple of years in bottle. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London. Drink 2021-2035.
2016 Beaumont typifies why this vintage is could be the best in recent history. Bricking slightly at the rim but with deep ruby colour still, the nose is unmistakably Bordeaux with its notes of cedar and blackcurrant, the fruit cool but undeniably ripe. The palate is chalky, the tannins now yielding into impressively intense but never heavy fruit. Gaining some savoury cedar, dry undergrowth and leather, the fruit still takes the lead. Chiselled, well-balanced and long, this is a superb wine for the money. Drink over the coming 5+ years.
Mid ruby-purple in colour. A real sheen of cherry fruits set against savoury cedar tones on the nose. There is a hint of darker blackcurrant and menthol underneath. The palate is bright in juicy red and black fruit, with soft tannins. This is drinking very well now though clearly has the capacity to age. Good energy comes from vibrant acidity that leaves a bright, fresh finish. Excellent and distinctly proper claret.
