Beychevelle 2008

This ageworthy, elegant, well-made Beychevelle displays copious red and black cherry fruit notes intertwined with dusty, loamy soil and oak undertones, decent acidity, moderate tannin and impressive intensity as well as length. Give it 1-3 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the next 15-18 years.

The 2008 Beychevelle has a lifted, graphite and tertiary scented bouquet, gaining intensity with aeration, a subtle mulch-like aroma tucked beneath the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, blackberry and bilberry fruit laced with cedar. It feels quite solid towards the back end with an insistent grip. As such, it is not a refined Beychevelle, but it is structured and a candidate for long-term ageing. 2020 - 2045

Sweet and fragrant and transparent with lots of polish and ripe tannins almost submerged in crunchy black fruit flavours. Sufficient acidity. An appetising package. Dry finish. Good integrity. Appetising.

Made in a seductive, soft, charming style, the 2008 Beychevelle is destined to be drunk during its first 15 years of life. It is a sensual St.-Julien offering pretty raspberry and cranberry fruit as well as hints of darker fruits on the palate. With soft tannins and good purity, this is a medium-bodied, well-made, evolved, forward 2008.

A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, this Beychevelle has a very tobacco dominated nose, the fruit just a little suppressed at the moment. Very tight, rather introverted. The palate is better, ripe entry, a little sharpness, blackberry, nice vanillary oak and grainy texture towards the finish with decent weight. Hopefully the bouquet will meliorate during élevage. Tasted April 2009.