We may well be in for a flurry of releases as certain Bordeaux Châteaux may look to release in advance of Vinexpo, the large wine fair which starts in Bordeaux next week, so watch this space.
We are pleased to say that Château Beychevelle released yesterday…yes there are always a few that elect to release on a UK Bank Holiday!
Since the new cellars were completed prior to the 2016 vintage, Beychevelle has moved up a gear; we have noted greater precision and purity in their wines. I don’t think we have ever seen such consistently fine examples to match the last three vintages. Always an individual style given the higher Merlot content, Beychevelle is the epitome of elegance and the 2018 comfortably ranked among our must buy list. I should add that the 2018 is the product of the longest harvest period ever reported at Beychevelle, stretching from the 21st Sept to the 16th October. The team was able to wait for the perfect moment to harvest the fruit, without any fear of inclement weather, and it certainly shows in the final wine.
Please see below for my note as well as Antonio Galloni’s note. Invariably, we would cite Neil Martin, however, in his absence from the campaign, we believe Antonio Galloni’s take on the vintage to be the best point of reference. Since he released his notes late last week, we will be referring to his comments where possible throughout the remainder of the campaign. In each instance, we first form our own view of a wine and include our own note alongside that of Galloni – whether or not we agree with his assessment.
You can additionally follow all of the important releases on our website (we include our notes for the wines which we have endorsed) and our 2018 Vintage Report. As ever, if you have any questions about a given release or availability, please let us know.
2018 Château Beychevelle, Cru Classé, St. Julien
£360 per 6 bottle case in bond
Simon Larkin's note
A blend of 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. The 2018 Beychevelle continues this Château’s fine run of vintages starting in 2016. Scented dark berry fruit and cassis on the nose, fresh and ripe. The palate reveals a gradually mounting intensity, deep and layered with nothing forced. Indeed, this is a fine, streamlined Beychevelle with freshness and poise, more exuberant than the 2016 but crucially it shows no signs of heat. There is a generous deep, juicy berry fruit with creamy swirls of red fruit. A gravelly touch, to the notably spicy tannins asserts to the finish. In line with the vintage, this is riper, bolder style of Beychevelle, but it loses none of the precision that is a hallmark of this impressive Château. (SL) Drink : 2024 – 2038.
(93-96) points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
The 2018 Beychevelle is an exceptional, utterly vivid wine. Deep and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2018 has so much to offer. Super-ripe black cherry, crème de cassis, licorice, new oak and chocolate infuse this unctuous, spectacularly ripe Saint-Julien. Beychevelle is exotic, flamboyant and full-throttle, not to mention absolutely stunning. The high presence of Merlot in the blend gives Beychevelle much of its sensuality. What a wine! The 2018 is 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Tasted three times.
Please let us know of your interest at your earliest convenience.
NB. It may be necessary to allocate stocks of specific wines in high demand or reduced volume.