2012 Beychevelle
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Tasting notes
A solid performance from an ever reliable chateau. This has good intensity on the nose and some violet perfume alongside dark fruit character. The palate is firmly tannic but there is a sweet core of black fruit here and some minerality running through. A medium-bodied, quite fruity style. FINE+RARE
Critic scores
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FINE+RARE
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Savoury black fruits, St Julien balance, this is on the tipping point between young and mature at 12 years old. Brambled blackberry and cassis fruits giving both colour and expression, with sage, cumin and fresh mint on the finish, this rises through the palate with a cushion of air that gives contrast to the gourmet fruit character. Harvest September 20 to October 5, 60% new oak for ageing.
The 2012 Beychevelle has an attractive nose that displays a little more vim and vigor than the previous vintage: brambly black fruit, sous-bois and a touch of desiccated orange peel. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grip and acidity. A mixture of red and black fruit comingle with clove and thyme, gently building towards a slightly ferrous finish. Very fine. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical at the property.
The 2012 Beychevelle has a relatively precocious nose for a Saint-Julien in this vintage - upfront red fruit, orange peel and allspice. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant and saturated tannins. There seems to be more extraction here, sweet towards the finish but missing some complexity. Maybe it will improve with bottle age? A second bottle comes across a little green on the finish.
About the producer
With greater care in the vineyard and more precision in the winery, Ch. Beychevelle's star is rising. That's in large part due to the leadership of Philippe Blanc and investment by current owners, Japanese brewers Suntory and French wine group Castel.