2018 - Beychevelle, Saint-Julien

Aged for around 18 months in barrel, 60% new and 40% second fill, the 2018 Beychevelle needs a fair bit of swirling to release classic notes of cassis, plum preserves and ripe blackberries, with emerging suggestions of unsmoked cigars, tilled soil and cedar chest, plus a waft of pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate is still very tightly wound, offering finely packed black fruit and earthy layers within a frame of firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. This will need a good 5-6 years to come around and then will drink beautifully over the next 20+ years.

Even at six years old the exuberance of the 2018 vintage is giving this an approachability, emphasis on grilled oak notes of cloves and campfire alongside lioqurice root, pomegranate, cassis, even a sweetened smoked caramel. Stretches out through the palate, well integrated tannins. Ageing ability is clear, although the style is less muscular than the 2016. Harvest September 21 to October 6.

The 2018 Beychevelle has a very intense nose, easily the most flamboyant of the modern era, with precocious black cherries, creme de cassis and violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied with layers of toasty black fruit laced with white pepper and thyme that exert an insistent grip. This shows slightly better than from my tastings just after bottling, though I maintain that the 2019 is the better of the two vintages. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical at the property.

50% Merlot. Tasted blind. Dark purplish crimson. Not much nose. But very sweet and polished in a Ch Gloria/St-Pierre style. Sweeter than most St-Juliens. (JR)