Beau-Séjour Bécot 2020

A terrific performance for an estate on a continuing upward trajectory, the 2020 Beau-Séjour Bécot unwinds in the glass with a deep bouquet of cherries and blackberries mingled with violets and spices. Medium to full-bodied, pure and layered, it's deep and concentrated, with a vibrant core of fruit, polished tannins and a long, sapid finish. The 2020 is a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, some two-thirds of which was matured in new oak, with the balance in tanks, amphorae and foudres. Drink 2027-2055.

The 2020 Beauséjour Bécot has a winsome bouquet with precise, focused and mineral-driven red fruit that shimmers with tension. The palate is medium-bodied with seamlessly integrated oak and hints of black pepper and cedar. It fans out toward the finish with supreme confidence. The terroir really comes through in this wine. This is not to be underestimated. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2028 - 2058

A superb if very youthful wine, the 2020 is a realisation of the recent steps taken at this château to improve quality. Wholebunch fermentations are on the up, and new oak is gently being reduced. The wine is a deep, bright purple colour in the glass. Cool and subtle on the nose, aromas of graphite, dark cherry and plum, soy and hedgerow all come through. The palate is taut and focused, with a vertical intensity and precise tannic structure. There is a lick of spice from the wood, but the more interesting non-fruit character is in tones of rosemary and sage, perhaps due to the wholebunch. The core of black fruit is tightly wound, ripe but precise and focused. Despite the intensity the wine is not heavy or sluggish. A long, incisive finish is very promising for this wine's ageing potential. Excellent.