Château Beychevelle Saint-Julien 2019 - 4ème Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About wine:

An admirable nose that makes it instantly appealing in a blind tasting, with a charm and finesse that are difficult to describe in words and which are reflected in a "haute couture" mouthfeel. The Cabernets are beginning to better define the terroir, but there are clearly some remarkable Merlots here. Great class from a terroir that is fully regaining its prestige. Peak around 2031.

About the estate:

This magnificent property, boasting one of the most elegant architectural styles in the Médoc region, has long been nicknamed "the little Versailles." It is named after Admiral de Beychevelle, governor of Guyenne under Henry III. Owned by the family of Aymar-Achille Fould, minister under General de Gaulle, it was then acquired in the late 2000s by the Castel and Suntory groups. The new winery and the resources given to the excellent director Philippe Blanc have enabled this château, famous in Asia and the rest of the world, which explains its high prices, to fully express one of the finest terroirs in the Médoc. Aristocratic aromas and texture, lovely suppleness linked to the appellation's best Merlots, but with the freshness and distinct cedar character of the Cabernets from the area. The 2016 will go down in history.

Guide Hachette des vins

About wine:

With its dark color and beautiful purple highlights, the robe promises a powerful wine. And while the nose is discreet for now, the palate confirms the first impression: Beychevelle 2019 has depth; a full-bodied wine, but also very elegant thanks to the finesse of its tannins, very round, very fresh, very balanced, and very long. A superlative Saint-Julien. 2028-2040

About the estate:

The "Versailles of Bordeaux." Beychevelle is a little gem of classical architecture. Its prestige also comes from the powerful families who owned it. Its name is said to come from a great French admiral, the Duke of Épernon under Henry III, who demanded that ships passing in front of his castle "lower their sails" as a sign of allegiance. Founded in the 17th century and developed in the 18th century, its vineyard (90 hectares) has evolved considerably, which explains its current dispersion throughout the AOC. In 2017, it acquired a new winery designed by Arnaud Boulain. Owned since 2011 by the Suntory and Castel groups, it is managed by Philippe Blanc.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Since 2011, this iconic Saint-Julien estate has been owned half by Pierre Castel and half by the Japanese group Suntory. It enjoys an excellent reputation, consistently producing elegant and easy-drinking wines. While not the most expressive, they also age very well. Like many Médoc wines, the château has brought its winemaking facilities up to date and seems to be making further progress in the precision of its wines.

Wine Enthusiast

Vinous

About wine:

Beychevelle 2019 has a very seductive, rather intellectual nose of pencil case and earth, which unfolds in the glass, taut and concentrated, with the oak supremely well integrated. The palate is beautifully balanced with finely sculpted tannins, a wonderful balance, fresh and mineral with a precise and complex finish. Superb sapidity, this is a first-rate wine with a long future ahead of it. It's time to raise my rating. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2026-2060

James Suckling

About wine:

Magnificent aromas of redcurrants, crushed stones, blackberries, and flowers. Full-bodied, with fine, long, and very refined tannins. Creamy texture. It lingers for several minutes. Beautiful energy and great sophistication. Try after 2026.

Terre de Vins

About wine:

The ruby color is brilliant, and the nose offers an aromatic palette that dances between redcurrant, blackberry, and cherry brandy. On the palate, we see the estuary, like the Beychevelle terroir, with intensity and velvety smoothness, power and glory, superb precision.

Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

About wine:

A beautiful bouquet of fresh fruit, cherry, violet, blackberry, and blueberry. Velvety on the palate, with chewiness and beautiful, structured tannins, finished with a very elegant coating. The aromas are also racy and delicate. A successful Beychevelle that stays true to its terroir and vintage.