2014 Château Beychevelle

Deep ruby colour, as it hits the 10 year mark you can see the work that Beychevelle had begun to do at this point in terms of tightning up its fruit expression and working the tannins to elongate them. Slate, cocoa bean, espresso, bilberry, cassis, totally delicious, a lot to enjoy if a little short on the finish. Will soften further over next decade but you can begin drinking now. Harvest September 25 to October 14, 60% new oak for ageing.

The 2014 Beychevelle has a more high-toned nose, more primal, though there is some pure black fruit laced with crushed stone and graphite that will eventually be more expressive. The palate is medium-bodied with a succulent entry, very smooth and plusher than its peers. Blood orange-infused black fruit towards the finish delivers just a touch of spice that keeps the senses on their toes. This is a "solid" showing. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting and Bordeaux Index's 10-Year-On tasting.

Tasted blind. Deep garnet. Ripe fruits, some sweetness. Firm, dry, still needing time for the tannins to mellow. A powerful and spicy wine with good length. (JH)