Château Beychevelle, 4ème Cru Classé, St Julien, 2018
Romain Ducolomb is doing a wonderful job at Beychevelle. Superb efforts in 2015, 2016 and 2017 have been followed up with another stellar wine in 2018 - possibly the best of the lot. Quite fragrant initially with plenty of kirsch, flowers and exotic spice. It is ripe and fleshy with lots of silky Merlot character, plum coulis, plump, juicy bramble fruit and Chambord, interwoven with some gravelly minerality and starry cranberry. This is very sumptuous, even hedonistic, but there is harmony and a silky, luxurious feel to the tannins that makes this so appealing. Finishes with pure, ripe griotte. Delicious. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot.
critic reviews
Even at six years old the exuberance of the 2018 vintage is giving this an approachability, emphasis on grilled oak notes of cloves and campfire alongside lioqurice root, pomegranate, cassis, even a sweetened smoked caramel. Stretches out through the palate, well integrated tannins. Ageing ability is clear, although the style is less muscular than the 2016. Harvest September 21 to October 6.
The 2018 Beychevelle has a very intense nose, easily the most flamboyant of the modern era, with precocious black cherries, creme de cassis and violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied with layers of toasty black fruit laced with white pepper and thyme that exert an insistent grip. This shows slightly better than from my tastings just after bottling, though I maintain that the 2019 is the better of the two vintages. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical at the property.
The 2018 Beychevelle is deep garnet-purple in color. It bounds out of the glass with bold notes of black cherry compote, dark chocolate, and blackcurrant pastilles, plus fragrant hints of violets, underbrush, and garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is coated with juicy black fruits and a firm, grainy texture, finishing long and perfumed.