2018 Beychevelle
By Chateau Beychevelle
2018 Beychevelle from Chateau Beychevelle, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The 2018 vintage in Bordeaux was one that aficionados approached with anticipatory delight, and indeed, the 2018 Beychevelle from Chateau Beychevelle does not disappoint. This particular vintage mirrors the climatic audacity of the season – a challenge, diligently transformed by the Chateau's meticulous vineyard management into an exemplar of structured finesse.
Eloquence in Vinification: A Reflection of Terroir Excellence
Quintessentially St-Julien in its poised harmony, the 2018 Beychevelle articulates a narrative that balances the openness of the year’s ripe fruit with classic structure. It serves as an embodiment of investment-worthy claret. The estate, with venerated soil underfoot and the Gironde estuary's tempering influence at hand, has once again presented a wine that commands respect for its deft craftsmanship.
An Emboldened Vintage Pours Forth
In evaluating the 2018 vintage, one must consider the oscillation between tense rainstorms and glorious warmth during the growing season. The memory of such extremes is embedded within this wine's deep ruby swirls, hinting at concentrated blackberry notes, a tapestry of well-integrated oaken spice, and a supple yet decisive tannin structure that could only emerge from such a crucible of elements.
The nimbleness of this vintage is encapsulated in each sip; dark fruits marry with subtle floral undertones and hints of tobacco – an interplay reflective of both the year's generosity and Beychevelle’s steadfast stewardship over its terroir.
For investors in fine wines, the 2018 Beychevelle presents not merely a sensorial experience but a narrative ripe with potential – one where careful cellaring will unveil a chronicle of development echoing both the character of the soil and the tale of the year it was born.
Integrating Assurance with Potentiality: The Investment Merits
The investment merits of 2018 Beychevelle are grounded in the vintage’s assured pedigree and prospective evolution. With graceful ageing the anticipated course, this offering from Chateau Beychevelle aligns effortlessly with discerning portfolios seeking to juxtapose immediate enchantment against long-term enrichment – a balance achieved by few, and mastered here with aplomb.
Market price (CAD)
$1,522.83
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
61
Scores and tasting notes
Ripe and concentrated, but very sleek, with a remarkably pure beam of cassis and plum reduction flavors. Sweet spice, violet and apple wood notes are thoroughly embedded throughout. Polished and very long.—J.M.
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019
The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Beychevelle wafts sensuously from the glass with fragrant Black Forest cake, potpourri, star anise and black tea scents over a core of black raspberries, warm blackcurrants and kirsch with touches of fallen leaves and lavender. Full-bodied and packed with fragrant red and black fruit layers, it has a firm, velvety texture and fantastic freshness lifting the very long, perfumed finish. Beautiful! Anticipated time in barrel is 18 months, 60% new and 40% second fill. The tentative blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
Aged for around 18 months in barrel, 60% new and 40% second fill, the 2018 Beychevelle needs a fair bit of swirling to release classic notes of cassis, plum preserves and ripe blackberries, with emerging suggestions of unsmoked cigars, tilled soil and cedar chest, plus a waft of pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate is still very tightly wound, offering finely packed black fruit and earthy layers within a frame of firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. This will need a good 5-6 years to come around and then will drink beautifully over the next 20+ years.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
The 2018 Beychevelle is an exceptional, utterly vivid wine. Deep and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2018 has so much to offer. Super-ripe black cherry, crème de cassis, licorice, new oak and chocolate infuse this unctuous, spectacularly ripe Saint-Julien. Beychevelle is exotic, flamboyant and full-throttle, not to mention absolutely stunning. The high presence of Merlot in the blend gives Beychevelle much of its sensuality. What a wine! The 2018 is 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Tasted three times. .
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019
This is a dark, deep colour that perfectly reflects the rich blackberry and bilberry fruits on the nose. I really have noticed that Beychevelle has raised its game over the last few vintages and it's maintaining that step-up here. The 2018 is built to age, and will do so with very little trouble. It has violet edging, a good ripe tannic structure and is full of life. It's rounded in terms of mouthfeel, smoothed out but not knocked off balance by the alcohol. It may be approachable earlier than usual perhaps, but with class, ambition and St-Julien signature. A yield of 55hl/ha, with 50% of production going into the grand vin. 60% new oak.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
This is concentrated with a solid core of fruit, yet it’s energetic and driven with plenty of pretty and forceful tannins. Dusty texture. Persistent finish.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019