Chateau Beausejour Web

2011 Château Beauséjour

By Chateau Beausejour

2011 Beausejour Duffau-Lagarosse from Chateau Beausejour Duffau-Lagarrosse, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

In the annals of Bordeaux, certain years stand as testaments to the unpredictability and sheer capricious nature of viticulture. The 2011 vintage in Bordeaux was such an enigma, subject to unique climatic conditions that bestowed upon the region's diligent vintners a challenging but ultimately rewarding harvest. Amongst these, the 2011 Beausejour Duffau-Lagarosse from Chateau Beausejour Duffau-Lagarrosse commands particular attention for its graceful navigation of an intricate season.

 

A Vintage Defined by Contrast and Character

The lead-up to this harvest was marked by a dry spring, but unlike other years, peaks of heat and late precipitation wove a complex narrative into the grapes' maturation. In vigilance lies virtue, and at Chateau Beausejour Duffau-Lagarrosse, meticulous tending of the vineyard allowed for an expression of the Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend that triumphs with balance and finesse.

The 2011 vintage unfurls in layers of dark fruit - think succulent black cherries and brooding plums - embraced by refined tannins that have softened beautifully over time. A whisper of spice and a breath of truffle and tobacco provide an aromatic complexity which whispers the essence of Saint-Emilion terroir.

 

Investing in Elegance

For the astute wine investor, the 2011 Beausejour Duffau-Lagarosse presents an intriguing opportunity. This is a wine whose evolution has confounded skeptics, steadily building in depth and showing remarkable cellar potential much to the delight of collectors worldwide.

In closing, while not hailed as the most opulent year akin to its neighbouring vintages, the 2011 has shaped up magnificently with a decade's tenure. When contemplation turns to whether one should indulge or invest, the wise connoisseur may very well find that with the 2011 Beausejour Duffau-Lagarosse from Chateau Beausejour Duffau-Lagarrosse, they do not need to choose between pleasure and prudence - both entwine effortlessly in this distinctive vintage.

Current market price

£730.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

52.14

Scores and tasting notes

94

Another brilliant wine of great nobility and finesse, the 2011 Beausejour-Duffau reveals a saturated chalky minerality as well as plenty of blue and black fruits, and fabulous precision and purity. It possesses a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and a distinctive/singular style only possessed by the greatest wines. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades. It promises to be one of the longest lived wines of the vintage. At 14.7% alcohol, this is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2014

Vintage performance