2013 Beychevelle
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Beychevelle has a light, leafy nose, a little tertiary in style, certainly with less fruit than other vintages, as you might expect from this challenging one. The palate is medium-bodied with light blackberry, bilberry and white pepper scents, attenuating a little sharply towards the finish. But it's not bad by any means - I would still drink this off-vintage Beychevelle and perhaps it has improved in the last couple of years?
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Retains a memory of redcurrant and raspberry fruit, gentle with skilful hands off winemaking that doesnt push too hard, this is charming with fine tannins, very much ready to drink, cloves dominant on the finish, suggesting the judicious use of oak was not fully balanced by depth of fruit. An unusual blend, reflecting the challenges of the vintage, harvest October from 1 to 10, 60% new oak.
The 2013 Beychevelle has a savory nose with simple red berry fruit that becomes a little herbaceous with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, but this is one 2013 that does show a bit of greenness on the finish. Maybe that lends a bit of freshness? Drink soon, either way. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On tasting.
The 2013 Beychevelle has a very light, tertiary, gravel-scented nose that lacks fruit intensity, like many Left Bank wines in this annus horribilis. The palate is medium-bodied with rustic, grainy tannins. Fine acidity, quite mature with a ferrous, black pepper-tinged, reasonably dry finish. You know, it's not that bad, but I would not leave it in bottle too long. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical at the property.
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.