2022 - Beychevelle, Saint-Julien

The 2022 Beychevelle has a succinct bouquet that has tightened up since I tasted it in barrel. It retains wonderful precision and focus, pure black fruit, black olive compote and subtle tobacco scents. It unfurls with aeration yet doesn't want to give too much away. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins. Like Gruaud Larose this year, there is a newfound sense of clarity that lifts this 2022 above recent vintages. This is unequivocally one of the most elegant Beychevelles on the finish and it lingers temptingly in the mouth. It’s a benchmark wine for this Saint-Julien—bravo to head winemaker Philippe Blanc and his team.

This is a blend of just 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, a low figure for the appellation although quite typical for Beychevelle, with 42% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. It is dark, smoky, focused, sweet and concentrated on the nose, with dense dried cranberry and blackberry fruits, with seams of powdered chalk and sandalwood. The palate presents a sweet and delicately polished texture, with a rather open and more loosely knit substance than some of its peers, which is all draped over a core of firm and nicely grained tannins. A wine of seductive texture, peppery fruit and charming grip here, with a nicely balanced presence. The tannins shimmer on through the finish;this is one to tuck away for a long time. Tasted twice. The alcohol on the label is 14%.

This is good stuff, intense, rippled cassis, pomegranate and cocoa bean, with smoked charcoal, sandalwood, cloves - another St Julien that is flirting with exuberance, a little unusual for the appellation but very enjoyable, clear ageing ability and impressive construction. Romain Ducolomb technical director, Philippe Blanc director.

The 2022 Beychevelle has turned out nicely, offering up aromas of ripe berry compote mingled with notions of petals, espresso roast and rich, toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied, sweet and fleshy, it's velvety and layered, with plenty of powdery tannin lurking behind its ripe core of fruit. It's a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Fans of contemporary Beychevelle's rich, lusty style will love it.

54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot.High-toned. Very solid! Quite savoury and appetising with, obviously, lots of work on the tannins. Really very well balanced and with freshness and inkiness rather than heaviness. Long! (JR)