Château Beychevelle

The 4th growth Château Beychevelle sits on the main road in St. Julien, its vineyards stretching north towards Ducru-Beaucaillou. Ships passing by on the Gironde used to honour long time owner the Duc d'Eperon, who was Grand Admiral of France, by lowering their sails('Baisse Voile'). From this tradition came the name Beychevelle. The vineyards are planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and average approximately 25 years old. Grapes are hand picked and de-stemmed before vinifcation. Elevage takes place in 50% new oak for up to 18 months. Beychevelle has leaned towards a more masculine style of wine in recent years, due to higher proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, more extraction and higher new oak levels. However it has not lost any of its elegance, charm, balance and has an ability to age seamlessly over 20 years.