In Bond Fine Wine. 2008 Château Beychevelle, Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France. Fourth Growth • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 92/100 (NM). Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
This beautiful St Julien Fourth Growth is one of the traditional names of the Medoc, undergoing a renaissance over the past decade. Now firmly re-established as one of the Left Bank's most admired and recognisable names. With a history stretching back to the 17th century and an iconic label featuring a dragon boat, Beychevelle has become hugely popular in Asia. A renovation of the winery was completed in 2016, and today Beychevelle produces wines of greater purity, depth and concentration than ever before, with classic Left Bank character. With its combination of pedigree, consistent quality, and international appeal, Beychevelle continues to offer good value within the top wines of the Medoc.
Robert Parker (RP) — 88–90/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 30/04/2009 · Drink 2009-2024
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.
Jane Anson (JA) — 93/100 · Inside Bordeaux, 2024-06-03 · Drink 2025-2036
A little deeper in colour than the 2007, as befits a late-ripening vintage where they made the most of the Indian Summer. The tannins are less melted than the 2007, this still has a few years to go before fully softening, but you can certainly start drinking and enjoying today. Tobacco leaf, raspberry, brambled loganberry and cassis fruit, liqourice root, cloves, fresh acidites, some remnants of…
Robert Parker (RP) — 89/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 03/05/2011 · Drink 2012-2030
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. (89+)