| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
A very classical St. Julien that’s got good concentration and real elegance, too. Great black fruits on the nose with subtle oak, and the richness and dry tannins are balanced out beautifully. You could drink it now, but this will age beautifully.
The 2014 Beychevelle is medium to deep garnet in color. Notes of blackcurrant jelly, cedar, and pencil lead stride confidently from the glass, plus hints of menthol and truffles. The medium-bodied palate has a rock solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and a lively line supporting the muscular fruit, finishing long and earthy.
Tasted blind. Fragrant, clean, lovely and refreshing. Everything in the right place. Pure, classic claret that is already dangerously drinkable, although I think there are some tannins lurking underneath.
Drink 2022-2036
This has a fleshy feel, with plum and blackberry compote notes driving along thanks to a solid graphite spine. Anise and roasted apple wood accents frame the finish, which has excellent length. A textbook St.-Julien that should age well. Best from 2019 through 2030. 19,835 cases made.
A good rather than a great Beychevelle, there's just a slight sense of heat on the finish of this wine, suggesting that it was picked late. It's initially sweet and reasonably soft, with plenty of colour and cassis and damson fruit, but the finish is quite firm. Needs time.
The 2014 Beychevelle has a very comely, pure bouquet with heightened dark cherry, blackcurrant and wilted violet scents rendering it almost more Margaux-like than Saint Julien. The palate is medium-bodied, svelte in texture with light tannin. It is a nimble Beychevelle, light on its feet with wonderful freshness and tension towards the finish. This is a very well-crafted wine from Philippe Blanc and his team, a St. Julien that is nimble on its toes. Drink Date 2020-2040
The Château Beychevelle 2014 is a blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 51% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. You might notice the high percentage of Merlot. This is because of the flowering, decisions made during blending and the low yield of the Cabernet Sauvignon. It was cropped at 38 hectoliters per hectare between 25 September and 14 October during what the estate recorded as the driest September since 1961. That Merlot governs the aromatics here, the fruit clearly towards the red side of the fruit spectrum: cranberry and wild strawberry, almost Right Bank in style. The palate is ripe and fleshy, nicely defined with tensile tannins. I appreciate the nascent harmony here, with fine precision and a long sustained finish with fine salinity. You could argue that pinning your hopes on Merlot when so many others proselytize Cabernet Sauvignon was a risk however, in this showing it was a risk that was worth taking. "Pomerol does Saint Julien" perhaps? It seems to work on what may be the most seductive Beychevelle for years.
A firm and austere young red now but there's serious fruit and mineral character underneath. Full body, chewy tannins and a long finish.
Light nose. Sweet start. A little reminiscent of the Haut-Médocs I have just been tasting. Not one of the most energetic or convincing St-Juliens though perfectly serviceable. Just slightly hollow.
Drink 2022-2032
