1982 Château Beychevelle
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Tasting notes
The 1982 Beychevelle is a vintage that I have not encountered for a number of years. This feels quite restrained on the nose; dark berry fruit commingles with black tea, autumn leaves and a background scent of kelp. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft, pillowy entry, slightly lower in acidity than its peers, with bay leaf and brown spices towards the gentle finish. Linear, but there is undoubtedly plenty of concentration here, perhaps a Beychevelle that is approaching the end of its drinking plateau? Very fine, very winsome. Tasted single blind at the 1982 dinner at Cornus in London.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Fully mature, the 1982 Beychevelle is drinking beautifully today, exhibiting sweet aromas of plums, minty cassis, licorice and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with an ample core of fruit, melted tannins and an expansive finish, it's a gourmand, demonstrative wine that can likely continue to hold at this level for some time to come in a cold cellar.
Mid ruby and fresh-looking. This would have been made with huge yields. Sweet and grassy – almost like old-fashioned Graves on the nose. Very neat and sweet. Glossy and polished. Not very concentrated but beautifully balanced. Sinewy. Very clean finish. Dry, dusty finish developed in the glass. (JR)
Very, very deep crimson; so deep it's still quite blackish. Scented and concentrated. Very, very fruity but ultimately a little bit simple. Chewy finish. Rough tannins. Very, very dry end. (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.