2021 Beychevelle
Buying options
Tasting notes
Ch. Beychevelle always has Merlot at the heart of the blend and this was badly impacted by coulure in 2021. Despite this, the 2021 is still typically Beychevelle in style with a lovely elegance to the tannins and added freshness from the high concentration of Cabernet Sauvignon. The blackberry and blackcurrant fruit is soft and juicy while there’s a little smokiness from the oak. Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From the southern edge of the appellation and a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it sports a vivid purple hue to go with terrific aromatics of darker fruits, tobacco, roasted coffee, and loamy earth. This round, medium-bodied, plump, forward, yet undeniably delicious 2021 is going to drink nicely right out of the gate. Harvest here spanned from the September 27 to October 8, and the wine will spend 18 months in roughly 70% new French oak.
The 2021 Beychevelle is rich and sumptuous, but not quite as pushed in that direction as some recent vintages have been. Then again, that sort of opulence was simply not possible in 2021. Even so, the 2021 flows with dark blue/purplish fruit, incense, espresso, mocha, menthol and licorice. All the elements are so well balanced. The 2021 is a terrific Beychevelle with a bright future.
The 2021 Beychevelle has a pleasant, light bouquet that needs coaxing from the glass, eventually offering blackberry, briar, peppermint and sage aromas. The oak here is neatly integrated, though it does not possess the dimension of the previous vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a firm grip on the entry. The Cabernet Sauvignon is fully in the driving seat here, imparting quite intense blackberry and graphite notes. As with many Saint-Julien barrel samples, a Pauillac-like structure comes through. The licorice-tinged finish is fresh and focused. This is quite an endearing Beychevelle after the challenging growing season.
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.