Over the past five years we have bought every case of 2016 Beaumont available in Bordeaux. We are now at the end of the line and our stock will likely run out in the early Spring. It is remarkably grown-up claret for the money, and an excellent example of just how good the 2016 vintage is.
At almost ten years old it is at its plateau of perfect maturity, where it will likely stay for five years or so.
Sharing ownership with Château Beychevelle, Beaumont sits between St Julien and Margaux. 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. It is a pretty much perfect Christmas claret and a bargain to boot.
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.
