96
Jeb Dunnuck Tasting Note
From a château that seems to have hit another gear over the past five to seven years, the 2023 Château Beychevelle is based on 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, pulled from 60% of the total production, and will see 18 months in 70% new French oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by a deep, rich, medium to full-bodied Saint-Julien loaded with ripe red and blue fruits, leafy herbs, truffle, iron, and spring flowers. It's medium to full-bodied, has a remarkable sense of freshness and purity, velvety tannins, and outstanding length. The 2023 hit 13.3% alcohol with a rock-solid pH of 3.67.
93
Wine Spectator Tasting Note
This is lovely, with gently crushed blueberry, açaí and blackberry fruit flavors that are fresh and delineated, carried by a subtle graphite note and gilded with violet and anise through the sleek, focused finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2040. 21,000 cases made.
94
Vinous Tasting Note
The 2023 Beychevelle was picked from September 13 through October 6 over 17 days of harvest, partly because of the size of the crop and not having to rush. It has the highest proportion of Merlot under winemaker Philippe Blanc (35%), and it matured in 70% new oak. This has a notably floral and tightly-knit bouquet, leaning a little more toward blue fruit than other Saint-Julien wines tasted from barrel. The oak is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with strict tannins that impart a sense of linearity. Very saline, this is a saliva-inducing Beychevelle, lightly spiced with a structured, almost Pauillac-like finish. Excellent.
95
James Suckling Tasting Note
A deep, youthful nose of ripe black cherries, mulberries, graphite and a touch of violets. Fine-boned and structured, showing more poise and elegance than sheer power and density. A precise, medium- to full-bodied wine with good acidity and a long finish. Drink from 2028.
94
Wine Advocate Tasting Note
The 2023 Beychevelle has turned out especially well this year, showing a more integrated, seductive style than recent vintages that were made in a punchier, more extracted register. It offers aromas of cassis and plum interwoven with hints of pen ink, violets and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, it has a deep core of fruit and a classy, suave profile that showcases the estate’s prime vineyard holdings on the plateau around Ducru-Beaucaillou. The blend is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, representing 50% of the estate’s production.