1999 Château Beychevelle
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Tasting notes
The 1999 Beychevelle has a mature nose with a touch more freshness and, in my mind, fewer brettanomyces than the 1997, although there is still a bit of leather coming through. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, rustic compared to recent vintage with a slightly bitter finish. This 1999 is not going to go anywhere, so pop 'n pour soon. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical at the property.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
The Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1999 Beychevelle is a vintage that I have not encountered for some time. It has a simple nose of brambly red fruit, leather and the espresso note that I observed in previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with rustic tannin. This feels a little hard and pinched in the mouth, and the rustic, ferrous finish shortchanges you in terms of length. The 1999 should be consumed in the near future. Far better wines are being made by the château nowadays. Tasted from an ex- château bottle at the estate.
Mid ruby. Some interesting scent. Light bodied but very fragrant and appealing – without ever sending anyone into ecstasies. Clean and fresh though pretty minor key. (JR)
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.