Beau-Séjour Bécot 2019

The 2019 Beau-Séjour Bécot has turned out nicely, wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis, wild berries, raw cocoa, spices and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's deep and layered, with a rich mid-palate that's underpinned by succulent acids and powdery tannins. Located opposite Château Canon on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau, there's some significant restructuring going on in the vineyards here, and in the cellar, foudres, amphorae and once-used barrels complement new oak: the result is the best wines this estate has produced in the modern era. 2025 - 2050

The 2019 Beau-Séjour-Bécot just lacks a bit of energy on the nose, dusky black fruit, sous-bois and dry tobacco. Old school. The palate is medium-bodied with finely-hewn tannins, very well balanced, lovely purity with a caressing and persistent finish. Classy winemaking. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Drink 2025-2050

Plums, currants, pine cones, mushrooms and bark on the nose. Some licorice, too. It’s medium-bodied with tightly knit tannins. Tight and fresh with fantastic tension and drive. Refined and focused. Spicy and lightly salty at the end. Try in 2026.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Beau-Sejour Becot saunters out with easy-going scents of juicy blackberries and plum preserves, followed by hints of cedar, potpourri, and fallen leaves. The medium to full-bodied palate is elegantly styled and refreshing, with very fine-grained tannins and a mineral lift on the finish.

Tasted blind. Simple colour. Easy, relaxed, rich and round. Already fun to drink with good balance even without much evolution or nuance. Polished tannins. Sophisticated winemaking. Long. The opposite of showy. 14.5%
Drink 2025– 2040