2005 Beychevelle
By Chateau Beychevelle
2005 Beychevelle from Chateau Beychevelle, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The 2005 vintage in Bordeaux is often lauded as one of great elegance and structure, and the 2005 Beychevelle from Chateau Beychevelle is no exception. As a vintage known for its climatic generosity, it endowed the vineyards with an optimal blend of sunshine and serenity, allowing a leisurely maturation of the grapes. This glorious combination conferred upon the 2005 Beychevelle a balance seldom achieved with such grace.
Precise Pedigree, Provenance Personified
The wines from St-Julien are renowned for their precision, and Chateau Beychevelle has long been a standard-bearer for this appellation's implicit heritage. As a witness to the wine's evolution since bottling, it can be said that the 2005 vintage encapsulates what fine wine enthusiasts and shrewd investors covet: finesse paired with longevity.
An Appraisal of Aromatic Allure
Upon decanting, the 2005 Beychevelle greets one with an aromatic tapestry interwoven with threads of black currant, cedar wood and a hint of truffle. The palate reveals not only a splendid structure but also a depth that sings harmonies of dark fruit, earthy undertones, and a whisper of spice - a testament to its time-honoured maturation in oak casks.
With its considerable tannins mellowed to a silken texture over the years, this wine demonstrates the quintessence of St-Julien's poise. Its integration of fruit and tannins lends it a complexity that remains articulate even in its maturity, suggesting the potential for further song as time marches on.
In summing up the 2005 Beychevelle from Chateau Beychevelle, it is essential to note not only its immediate drinking delight but also its commendable potential as an investment piece. For collectors and connoisseurs alike, securing allocations of such a splendid vintage offers both oenophilic joy and financial acumen; indeed, few vintages marry delectability with durability as harmoniously as this particular offering from Chateau Beychevelle. It represents an unmissable cornerstone for any discerning investor's cellar portfolio.
Current market price
£1,130.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
86.92
Scores and tasting notes
The Grand Vin, the 2005 Beychevelle is a gorgeous wine, with plenty of crème de cassis, floral notes, underbrush and forest floor. It is sweet and medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannin and beautiful texture and purity. Drink it over the next 20 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2015
Tasted at BBR’s 2005/2009 tasting in London. There is an almost pastille like purity on the nose of the Beychevelle ’05 with cranberry, raspberry, wild strawberry and a touch of thyme and Italian dried meat. Good underlying mineralite here. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins on the entry, much more introverted than the nose with fresh black fruit, tobacco and graphite. It is a little tight on the finish at the moment but it will mellow with time. Tasted July 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2012
While this is a strong effort from a property that too often does not live up to its pedigree, I had hoped the 2005 Beychevelle would merit an even higher score. A deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by a sweet perfume of roasted herbs, black cherries, and even blacker fruits. The wine is medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin, good acidity, and a fruitcake-like spiciness and earthiness. Pure and long with a tannic clout that is neither intrusive nor excessive, this elegant, powerful effort should be at its finest between 2017-2030.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #176 April 2008