1986 Beychevelle
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Tasting notes
Another one from the cellar, it started floral on the nose and developed more smoky meaty qualities. The fruit was almost jammy and ripe with a good tannic grip, gets a touch spicier as it goes on but seems to lack length. Perhaps just about over the hill.
Critic scores
Average Score
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More reviews and scores
Storming wine, still generous and full of pleasure, a reminder of just how good Beychevelle has been in the past, and why it's such a joy to see how far it return to form over the past decade. I last had this two years ago, and it hasn't budged one bit - still full of smoked earth, truffles, rose petal and peony floral aromatics, tobacco and undergrowth, softly spun tannins and an unhurried desire to please, still fresh and treading lightly through the palate. Maurice Ruelle winemaker. There is bottle variation in this vintage, but we were lucky with this beautiful example, as I was last time, giving me confidence to put a high score against it.
The 1986 Beychevelle is certainly one of the better wines from a rather inconsistent decade for the property. It's one that I've tasted from various formats over the years. This has a lovely, mature nose with loam, mulberry and pencil-shaving scents; it has lost some of its fruit in recent years. The palate is quite different and one of the fleshier Left Bank wines in an otherwise austere growing season, though it just fades a little on the finish. Tasted at a private dinner in Bordeaux.
Served in a large glass, to accentuate the stunning floral aromatics. This was the wine of the night, and a real surprise as I was unsure if 1986 Beychevelle would still be delivering. But it certainly is, absolutely worth looking out for and sharing. Violet, peony, undergrowth, gentle tannins, still full of life and joy. One to share.
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.