Château Beychevelle, 4ème Cru Classé, St Julien, 2005
Tasting note coming soonThe 2005 raises the bar of quality at Beychevelle, a well known and loved chateau that has left one wanting slightly than it has recently been offering. A sumptuous nose with beautiful ripe, floral fruit of violets, cherry blossom and morello cherry. On the palate it is juicy and fresh, with a great texture of smooth tannins and the wine finishes with a very moreish savoury dimension. Delicious, and a great value this vintage.
critic reviews
This attempts to seduce with its aromatics, and being honest, it succeeds. It opens with a full-blown assault of black fruits, liquorice and smoke, seemingly offering up sweet, smoky and savoury suggestions all at the same time. It certainly makes a good first impression. The palate is dry and firm, largely thanks to a firm tannic grip which still makes its presence known on the palate, supporting layers of tobacco-washed black fruits and black tea leaf, with the same sweet and smoky-savoury paradox as seen on the nose. It finishes firm, with good grip, and while the aromatics are evolving nicely, the structure says to me there are many years of potential in this yet. Hold for now to see this at its best.
The 2005 Beychevelle has an attractive nose with brambly red fruit, marmalade, cedar and light leather aromas. This is just a little rustic, yet full of vigor and presence. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins. Solid and muscular, it comes across a little uncouth compared to more recent, more refined vintages, though it has an attractive spicy, black pepper-infused finish. Drinking well now, it should give another decade of drinking pleasure. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical at the property.
The 2005 Beychevelle is composed of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Deep brick in color, it skips out with shimmery, care-free scents of kirsch, raspberry pie, blackcurrant pastilles, and rose oil, followed by suggestions of Ceylon tea, unsmoked cigars, and red loam. The medium-bodied palate is built like a brick house, featuring firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness to support the youthful black and red fruits, leading to a finish of great length and depth on this stunning wine.