Chateau Beychevelle 2004 (St. Julien)

NOTES

Chateau Beychevelle is one of the Médoc's finest constructions, an 18th Century affair built in the style of Louis XV. The estate lies at the south-eastern tip of the St Julien commune, close to the town of Beychevelle, with near neighbours including Chateau St Pierre and Chateau Gloria. Its regal demeanour and luxuriant flowerbeds are fine viewed either from the road or from the Gironde, which is less than a mile away to the east. The wine produced here was classified as one of ten Quatrièmes Crus (Fourth Growths) in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.

The deep Garonne gravel vineyards at Beychevelle currently account for 90 ha of the 250 ha estate, planted with 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Average vine age is 25 years. The blends are typically 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot.

TASTING NOTES

The 2004 vintage was without the heat of the preceding summer, and so thankfully we at least have a chance of finding some traditionally styled, structured wines fit for the cellar from the communes of the left bank. An exotic nose of nutty oak and dark fruit presented in a very distinctive style. The palate has plenty of attractively presented fruit carried along by a creamy, rounded, softly caressing style. Ripe tannins, correct acidity, not a great impact but very nicely assembled though.