1945 Beychevelle
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Tasting notes
The 1945 Beychevelle is a vintage that I last drank almost 20 years ago! It has an intriguing bouquet, not as complex as the top-tier Médoc wines of this legendary vintage, but is more "solid," a touch of chlorine infusing the black fruit. The palate follows in a similar vein, quite structured and grippy, with a light sapidity that is linear and rather conservative. It lacks the brightness and complexity of the best 1945s and doesn't quite flow like the best, yet it does offer pleasure and I suspect that on its own, it might show better. Bottles will still keep if well-stored.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
This bottle of 1945 Beychevelle was not dissimilar to the slightly underwhelming one at the château the previous September. I admire the nose: stately and a little more complex with understated red and black fruit, loam and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with truffle-tinged red fruit. Like the previous bottle, it feels quite linear towards the finish insofar as it lacks the peacock's tail that you often find in '45s. Overall this is probably a little fresher in style, hence the extra point. Tasted blind at the "five" dinner at Domaine de Chevalier.
About the producer
With greater care in the vineyard and more precision in the winery, Ch. Beychevelle's star is rising. That's in large part due to the leadership of Philippe Blanc and investment by current owners, Japanese brewers Suntory and French wine group Castel.