Château Beychevelle 2013

Rather flattering in feel, with velvety crushed plum and raspberry fruit that drapes nicely while hints of anise and graphite fill in on the toasty finish. A little shy on grip, but the delicious fruit cannot be denied. Drink now through 2018. 10,833 cases made.

This is not an intense or concentrated wine, but it also has no green edges, displaying sweet cassis and black cherry fruit. The finish is a touch short but it’s good for drinking now and over the next five to ten years. The vintage was the smallest crop on record at 28hl/ha, even smaller than the frosty year of 1991. Like all Bordeaux estates that could afford to in 2013, Beychevelle carried out severe selection, resulting in under 40% grand vin production—only 8,000 cases instead of the usual 20,000—but the attention to detail and investment that went into this vintage paid off. This was also the year when Beychevelle decided to create a third wine.

Aromas of currant and orange peel follow through to a medium- to full-bodied red, with a solid core of fruit and a light cassis–rose petal aftertaste. Firm and silky. Drink now.

A solid wine in a difficult vintage, there is freshness in the fruits and notes of cedar with tobacco to add complexity. Medium-bodied, forward and classically styled, give it a few years and it could be even better.

Rather elegant fruit, wild berries on the nose. Soft and supple palate with good volume, grainy tannin and long persistence, well balanced in an elegant style.

Dark garnet, fairly dense in the middle, ruby rim. Complex, refined aroma with black cherries, blackberries, a slight lactic note, very pleasant on the attack. Juicy, very elegant palate; the tannins are quite fine with some muscle, and the finish is pleasant. It may ultimately lack a bit of drive, but the wine will have a lovely drinkability. Tasted twice, once at the winery and once at the large Vin des Crus tasting.

(54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 28.5 hl/ha, 100,000 bottles, instead of the usual 240,000 bottles) Floral, fresh, mineral bouquet, currants, raspberries, vanilla powder, green herbs, mint. Delicate, dry palate with fine fruit, fine sandy tannins, subtly bitter aromatics, classic structure, good, dry finish. 17/20 2019 - 2030

Retains a memory of redcurrant and raspberry fruit, gentle with skilful hands-off winemaking that doesn’t push too hard; this is charming with fine tannins, very much ready to drink. Cloves dominate on the finish, suggesting that the judicious use of oak was not fully balanced by the depth of fruit. An unusual blend, reflecting the challenges of the vintage; harvest from October 1 to 10; 60% new oak.

The 2013 Beychevelle has a medium garnet color, with a touch of brick. Notions of rosemary lamb, menthol, and tobacco waft over a core of fig paste, cherry cough syrup, and unsmoked cigars. The medium-bodied palate is a touch thin and chewy, with a refreshing backbone and an earthy finish.

A lovely surprise from this wine, which gains body as it evolves. From a rigorous selection, it is very pleasantly fruity, with a nice fleshiness.

A rich, assertive, imposing bouquet with notes of spring flowers (peony, rose, iris). On the palate, there are energetic, vibrant purple fruits and impressive length. A wonderful surprise.

Ruby red with slightly purplish highlights. Notes of blackcurrant and blueberry. Fruity attack on the palate. The wine is lively, with granular tannins that slowly emerge on the finish. A wine that still requires a bit of patience.

Dark, intense, and beautiful color. Ripe-style fruity nose. Soft palate, very fruity, tasty, pleasant. A lot of pleasure. Medium body and length. Blend: 55% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot, and 9% petit verdot.