Château Beychevelle, 4ème Cru Classé, St Julien, 2006
Only 55% of the 2006 vintage will go into the Grand Vin with yields being low at 48h/ph. The deep gravel terroir and proximity to the Gironde, have resulted in ripe balanced and complex fruit. Dark cherry and damson aromas. Clean pure dark berry and complex gravel flavours on palate. 59% cabernet sauvignon (the highest ever in a Beychevelle) 29% merlot, 7% cabernet franc, 5% petit verdot.
critic reviews
Firm ruby red in colour, tannins that are softening up but remain a little foursquare, a serious Beychevelle with layers of cassis and blackberry fruit, along with smoked earth, soy and tobacco. Getting ready to drink, the structure should elongate further over the next decade. Harvest September 20 to October 5, 60% new oak.
The 2006 Beychevelle is a solid effort in a difficult vintage, and perhaps this bottle has the edge on the one poured blind six months earlier. There are blackberry, briar and loam traces on the nose, with light cassis notes, again lending it a Margaux-like florality. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, rounded in texture with that touch of truffle, though it just feels a bit muddled on the finish. Here is where it stumbles. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical at the property.
A blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2006 Beychevelle is medium to deep garnet-brick in color. It rocks up with ready-to-drink, mature note of prunes, fruitcake, and tobacco leaf, plus suggestions of dried sage, leather, and cast-iron pan. Medium-bodied, the palate has a sturdy structure of chewy tannins and just enough freshness to support the mineral-laced, muscular black fruit and earthy flavors, finishing on a stewed tea note.