2016 Beausejour Becot
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Beau-Séjour Bécot has a relatively backward nose: blackberry, briary, touches of gravel and tobacco developing with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a crisp thread of acidity. Bright and lively, I like the edginess that may well come from limestone terroir. More sophisticated on the finish than its rival, this is a lovely Saint-Emilion. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Lift and spice on the nose and very sweet, slightly drying fruit on the palate. Hard work – thanks to a bit of over-extraction? (JR)
Showing spectacularly well on the two occasions I was able to taste it, the 2016 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot is a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 16 months in 90% new oak, and hitting a healthy 14.5% natural alcohol. This straight-up classy, seamless, ultra-fine Saint Emilion offers a beautiful bouquet of red currants, white truffles, spice, and flowers. With brilliant limestone character, fabulous intensity on both the nose and palate, ultra-fine tannins, and a magical texture, it’s approachable today yet has another 20+ years of prime drinking.