2010 Chateau Beychevelle

Château Beychevelle, classified as a Quatrième Cru (Fourth Growth) in the 1855 classification, is a prestigious benchmark of the Left Bank appellation. Château Beychevelle boasts a storied history that stretches back to the 17th century, a period when the estate was known as the “Château de la Breuille” and famed for its refined wines. The estate's name, “Beychevelle,” which translates to “sloping boat” in Old French, is a nod to its maritime history. Legend has it that the estate’s owner, the Duke of Epernon, was so beloved that he commanded all ships to lower their sails as they passed by—hence the name.

Whether you are a connoisseur of Bordeaux or new to its wonders, this exceptional wine promises a captivating journey through the heart of one of the region’s most storied estates.

The best examples from the best Beychevelle vintages are powerful and concentrated, with oodles of almost sweet, ultra-ripe Cabernet fruit, and can age effortlessly.

REFERENCE TASTING NOTE:

Showing better from bottle than it did from barrel, where it was also impressive, but not quite at this level, the 2010 Beychevelle displays sweet black currant, black cherry, foresty notes, medium to full-bodied texture with impressive purity and moderately high tannins (although theyve softened considerably during the wines upbringing in barrel). Layered and rich for a Beychevelle, this wine should easily withstand three decades of cellaring. I would give it another 3-4 years of bottle age, but this is a fabulous effort from the first chateau one sees upon entering the appellation of St.-Julien.

Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 28/02/2013

SERVING SUGGESTION:

Grilled rib eye, Braised short ribs, Roast Venison, Aged Gouda, Blue Cheese, Mushroom Wellington. Decant the wine for at least 1-2 hours.