In Bond Fine Wine. 2023 Château Beychevelle, Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France. Fourth Growth • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 96/100 (AG). Drinking window: 2029–2063. 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.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 96/100 · Vinous, 31/03/2026 · Drink 2033-2063
96+ Antonio Galloni, March 2026 The 2023 Beychevelle is a dark, brooding wine. Blackberry, gravel, dried herbs, chocolate, menthol and incense stain the palate. Time in the glass brings out the wine's freshness and energy, along with a surprising amount of tension. In many recent vintages, Beychevelle has been quite racy and opulent. The 2023, on the other hand, displays elements of youthful clas…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 94–96/100 · Vinous, 30/04/2024 · Drink 2033-2063
The 2023 Beychevelle is fabulous. As always, Beychevelle includes quite a bit more Merlot than most wines in the appellation, but the Cabernet is especially high here. Inky dark fruit, creme de cassis, mocha, licorice and lavender build in the glass. This juicy, extroverted Saint-Julien has a ton to offer. The combination of fruit intensity, acid and supporting structure is superb. The 2023 is sh…
Neal Martin (NM) — 92–94/100 · Vinous, 29/04/2024 · Drink 2029-2055
The 2023 Beychevelle was picked from September 13 through October 6 over 17 days of harvest, partly because of the size of the crop and not having to rush. It has the highest proportion of Merlot under winemaker Philippe Blanc (35%), and it matured in 70% new oak. This has a notably floral and tightly-knit bouquet, leaning a little more toward blue fruit than other Saint-Julien wines tasted from…