2006 Beychevelle
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Tasting notes
Firm ruby red in colour, tannins that are softening up but remain a little foursquare, a serious Beychevelle with layers of cassis and blackberry fruit, along with smoked earth, soy and tobacco. Getting ready to drink, the structure should elongate further over the next decade. Harvest September 20 to October 5, 60% new oak.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2006 Beychevelle is a solid effort in a difficult vintage, and perhaps this bottle has the edge on the one poured blind six months earlier. There are blackberry, briar and loam traces on the nose, with light cassis notes, again lending it a Margaux-like florality. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, rounded in texture with that touch of truffle, though it just feels a bit muddled on the finish. Here is where it stumbles. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical at the property.
Magnum. Floral and savoury at once – this one really has the liquorice and leather of classic Médoc. Drinking wonderfully now, with a great combination of weight, powerful dark fruit and succulence. Yet the best is surely in store as this matures further. (RH)
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.