Château Beychevelle, 4ème Cru Classé, St Julien, 2017
Romain Ducolomb is doing a superb job at Beychevelle. The 2015 and 2016 were both sensational, and while this probably doesn't quite achieve those heights, it is another wonderfully juicy, really refined Beychevelle. Quite fragrant initially with plenty of sweet cherry, flowers and exotic spice. It is ripe and fleshy with lots of silky Merlot character interwoven with some gravelly minerality, notes of coal and cocoa nibs. It has a lovely texture, remains focused and pure and finishes with ripe cherry and plum coulis. A delicious, modern expression of Beychevelle. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot.
critic reviews
A vintage that will provide lots of pleasure over the long term but no need to wait to begin enjoying. A soft dip through the mid palate, this doesn't have the intensity of some in the lineup, but delivers sappy fennel and slate texture and freshness, with a gourmet edge of cocoa bean that adds layers to the blueberry and raspberry fruit, and a mouthwatering finish. Harvest September 13 to October 3, 60% new oak for ageing.