In Bond Fine Wine. 2016 Château Beychevelle, Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France. Fourth Growth • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 96/100 (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.
Neal Martin (NM) — 96–98/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 28/04/2017 · Drink 2026-2060
The 2016 Beychevelle is a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc cropped at 45 hectoliters per hectare between 3 October and 18 October. It is matured in 50% new oak. Furthermore, it is the first vintage to be matured in the new chichi winery whose glass exterior overlooks the passing traffic on the D2. It has a very pure, fragrant bouquet with black ch…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 91–94/100 · Vinous, 25/04/2017
A heady wine, the 2016 Beychevelle possesses off-the-charts richness and intensity. White truffle, plum, lavender, black cherry and incense, along with an unctuous, racy feel, give the wine much of its exotic, voluptuous personality. Not at all subtle, the 2016 shows the more flamboyant side of Saint-Julien. Its balance is beyond reproach, however. Ripeness is pushed to the edge in 2016, yet the…
James Suckling (JS) — 94–95/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 24/03/2017
The softness and finesse to this are indeed impressive with blackberry and blackcurrant character. Full-bodied, dense and polished. Lovely texture and length. It builds on the palate. Clearly better in 2015. This is the first year in from the new cellar.