Château Beychevelle 2022

Deep and noble, with aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and resin; dense on the palate, plenty of fruit, the finest tannins, great length. A concentrated, juicy Beychevelle that balances lightness and power.

Generous in feel, with a delicious wave of warmed plum sauce and crushed blackberry fruit backed by a well-embedded graphite spine, this moves through steadily, letting licorice snap, ink and sweet tobacco notes emerge slowly on the lengthy finish. Rock solid. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2040. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 18,333 cases made.

Juicy and immediately appealing on the palate. Fruit-forward, this has energy and focus with an emphasis on bright fruit and racy acidity. The overall frame is structured but not overwhelming in any way. I love the focus, and this feels confident without shouting. On the ripe side in terms of concentration, but the overall impression, with lift on the finish, is of cool cola, blueberry and minty freshness. A lovely Beychevelle.

Intense blackberries and blackcurrants with spice and lead-pencil aromas. Medium-bodied, it has creamy and polished tannins and a long and flavorful finish. The cabernet sauvignon is singing here. 54% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot and 4% petit verdot. Give it three to five years of bottle age. Best after 2028.

Tasted blind. Shaded rim. A tad furry on the nose – too ripe? Not enough freshness. Blackberry fruit. Showed the heat. (JR)

The 2022 Beychevelle is so impressive. A wine of precision and stature, the 2022 has so much to offer. Inky dark fruit, licorice, mocha and lavender build in a sumptuous, creamy Saint-Julien. All of that intensity mounts through the mid-palate, reaching a stunning crescendo on the explosive, resonant finish. Even with all of its obvious intensity, the 2022 retains a gorgeous sense of freshness and vibrancy.

The complex aromatic profile reveals its black cherries, tobacco leaves, cedar, herbs, and blackberries with a single swirl. The palate is even better, with multiple layers of perfectly ripe, elegant, deep, concentrated black and dark red pit fruits. The finish is silky, fresh, vibrant, and long. The purity on the back end leaves a lasting impression! The wine blends 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2028–2060.

This is good stuff, intense, rippled cassis, pomegranate and cocoa bean, with smoked charcoal, sandalwood, cloves — another Saint-Julien that is flirting with exuberance, a little unusual for the appellation but very enjoyable, with clear ageing potential and impressive construction. Romain Ducolomb technical director, Philippe Blanc director.

This penetrating nose of Beychevelle, where vibrant aromas of blue, purple and rose fruits mingle, with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, a textured richness supported by finely grained tannins.

A beautiful dark red, purple and deep. An intense, fine, subtle and very fruity nose. The palate is all delicacy, developing with aromatic notes and an incredible tactile grace. Perhaps a little less structured than some, but the finish is so enticing it’s very hard not to give in. In fact, you can taste it young or wait. It’s a Saint-Julien from Margaux.

The nose is fruity, elegant, and offers lovely finesse, fleshiness (from the fruit), as well as a subtle fermentary touch from the fruit. It reveals notes of fleshy blackcurrant, fleshy/pulpy cherry, and, more lightly, cornflower, combined with hints of roasted small fruits, refined/gravelly minerality, touches of star anise, a hint of cherry blossom, bright red plum, as well as a discreet hint of fresh tobacco and discreet hints of fresh vanilla. The palate is fruity and offers freshness, minerality, good definition, juiciness, suppleness, indulgence, density, creaminess, a slight airy feel, and a lovely volume of matter. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of fleshy/pulpy cherry, crushed raspberry, and, more lightly, pulpy/juicy purple plum, combined with touches of fleshy blackberry, hints of roasted/pulpy red fruits, fresh vanilla, sweet blond tobacco, as well as a discreet hint of tonka bean, toasted almond, a subtle hint of vanilla, and toasted hazelnut. The tannins are mellow and elegant. Lovely freshness and elegance.

93-95 Barrel sample. This is a fine, dusty wine. Its tannins and black fruits are layered with acidity and a dry core. There is plenty of promise in this solid wine, showing the benefits of the winery's new installations.

The 2022 Beychevelle has turned out nicely, offering up aromas of ripe berry compote mingled with notions of petals, espresso roast and rich, toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied, sweet and fleshy, it's velvety and layered, with plenty of powdery tannin lurking behind its ripe core of fruit. It's a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Fans of contemporary Beychevelle's rich, lusty style will love it.