1970 Beau-Sejour Becot

The 1970 Beau-Séjour Bécot was the first proper vintage of the expanded estate hitherto known as “La Carte” (I am unsure whether a 1969 was ever produced). It was picked between 25 September and 2 October. Interestingly, the bottle tasted at the vertical felt enervated however, two subsequent bottles prove to be far superior. The last bottle tasted has a light red berry nose with touches of wild heather and orange peel, the fruit only expressing itself after 30 to 40 minutes in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins that frame a focused and surprisingly deep Saint-Émilion with mulberry, red plum and crushed strawberry infused with clove and sorrel. There is real presence to this 1970 and whilst it might lack finesse, it certainly has lasted commendably for almost half-a-century.