2003 Beychevelle
By Chateau Beychevelle
2003 Beychevelle from Chateau Beychevelle, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The extraordinary vintage of 2003 has indeed left an indelible mark in the annals of Bordeaux, with its unparalleled heatwave bringing forth a crop that defied the odds. Within this spectrum of productions lies the 2003 Beychevelle from Chateau Beychevelle, a wine that encapsulates both the resilience and exceptional terroir of St-Julien.
Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of a Heatwave Harbinger
In the crucible of 2003’s summer, characterised by scorching temperatures seldom seen in Bordeaux, the wines invariably flirted with overextraction. Yet, it is the meticulous craftsmanship at Chateau Beychevelle that sculpted a vintage embracing concentration and poise. The 2003 Beychevelle is a testament to such finesse under fire, delivering a harmonious assemblage of ripe blackcurrant, cherries and an underpinning of tannic structure.
A Narrative Woven from Vine to Bottle
St-Julien's illustrious landscape bore witness to the interplay of its gravel-rich soil and the climatic extremes of 2003. The result in bottle is a narrative of adversity, with the 2003 Beychevelle offering investors not merely a conjuring of flavours but an archival piece from a vintage where the vines battled nature itself. Blackberry notes are entwined with subtleties of tobacco and graphite, illustrating an empiric depth fostered in such vintages.
In evaluating this vintage through an investor’s lens, the 2003 Beychevelle prances forth as a well-poised asset. Its longevity is formidable; thriving beyond two decades now, it endorses subtle secondary notes while maintaining its robust core—a marque of distinguished cellaring potential.
A fabled year etches its story into each sip; one finds that investing in such storied vintages is not merely an acquisition but also procuring a chapter of winemaking alchemy. The 2003 Beychevelle is thus ripe for admiration now and warrants inclusion in any collector’s anthology where diversity and singularity are treasured.
Market price (USD)
$1,470.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
100.83
Scores and tasting notes
Despite the extreme heat of June, July and August, this beautiful wine’s terroir shows through. A dense plum/purple color is accompanied by sweet cassis and black currant aromas, broad, round, juicy fruit flavors, medium body, and hints of figs, spice box and cedar. This complete, juicy, fully mature, impressive wine can be consumed over the next 7-8 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 27 August 2014
Earthy, leafy, funky, and rich, with a decadent undertone of ripe fruit and spices. Full and velvety, with soft tannins and a decadent finish. Yummy, no need to wait. Find the wine
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, March 14th 2011
Given the performance of this somewhat mystifying but beautifully situated estate in St.-Julien, we might be seeing a resurrection in quality, or at least much more consistency. A beauty in an up-front, supple, sexy style is the generous and savory, dark ruby /plum-colored 2003 Beychevelle. Medium to full-bodied with loads of fruit and glycerin, it is much more approachable than usual, but also generously proportioned and exceptionally well-balanced. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #164 April 2006
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's '10-Year On' tasting in London. The Beychevelle 2003 has light animally, gamey bouquet with plenty of Provencal herbs and just a touch of sandalwood. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of aggression on the entry. It is very foursquare with slightly subdued black fruit, pencil shavings and cedar, whilst the earthy finish is showing just a touch of attenuation. There is good backbone here, but it is not a Saint Julien I would cellar long-term. Tasted March 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013