Chateau Beychevelle   Beychevelle

2013 Beychevelle

By Chateau Beychevelle

2013 Beychevelle from Chateau Beychevelle, St-Julien, Bordeaux

In the tapestry of Bordeaux's vintages, the 2013 release from Chateau Beychevelle stands resolute, offering investors and connoisseurs a decidedly unique expression from St-Julien's esteemed terroir. This vintage speaks volumes of the winemaker's acumen in a year that tested even the most sanguine of vignerons.

 

The Narrative of Nature: 2013's Challenge Overcome

The 2013 vintage was one etched by nature's trials, with Bordeaux facing unpropitious weather that culminated in a race against conditions to secure optimum harvests. Yet it is precisely these challenges that have distilled the fortitude and finesse of Chateau Beychevelle's craft into each bottle. The estate's adept management of such a capricious climate has imbued the 2013 Beychevelle with layers of complexity.

 

An Unyielding Expression of St-Julien

The 2013 Beychevelle articulates its narrative through a poised blend, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with discreet admixtures of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot adding intriguing depth to the palate. Tertiary notes have begun to surface amidst the structured tannins, suggesting a window for drinking that can captivate both immediate gratification and potential for maturation.

Here, we find blackcurrant and cedar whispering tales of quintessential Bordeaux, while evocations of tobacco and earth hint at an evolution borne from struggle. It is an investment-worthy vintage that contravenes expectations—a testament to winemaking prowess in face of adversity.

In sum, the 2013 Beychevelle remains an articulate reflection of its birth year: forthright in its delivery, unexpected in its charm. For those seeking to diversify with a vintage that narrates more than simply taste but also resilience and artistry in viniculture, this offering from Chateau Beychevelle is an astute addition to any portfolio.

Current market price

£970.00

12x75cl

Highest score

89

POP score

107.78

Scores and tasting notes

88-90

A solid effort from this beautiful St.-Julien estate, the 2013 Beychevelle displays a healthy dark plum/ruby/purple-tinged color along with a floral-scented nose offering notes of black and red currants, forest floor, and subtle oak. With excellent richness, fine-grained, soft tannin and enough acidity for definition, it should drink well for 10-12 years.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #214 Aug 2014

88

The 2013 Beychevelle has a backward, tightly coiled bouquet, though there is more vigor here than the Branaire-Ducru with earthy blackberry and cedar scents. In fact, Philippe Blanc has created a quite Pauillac set of aromas. The palate is saline on the entry with assertive tannin: a tang of green bell pepper in the mouth but with a decent solid finish that shows good backbone. Give this 3 or 4 years in bottle and you will have yourself a respectable, foursquare Beychevelle, if not a remarkable one.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016

Vintage performance