1983 Château Beychevelle
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Tasting notes
The 1983 Beychevelle may constitute one of the hidden gems of this era. A recent bottle was not quite firing on all cylinders. The best encounter remains a double magnum direct from the château that boasted outgoing black fruit and cigar box mixed with cedar scents. The palate is well-balanced, a fairly "gutsy" Saint-Julien. What it lacks in finesse, it compensates with concentration and backbone. Tasted at home from my own cellar.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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My notes on the 1983 Beychevelle have always been uneven and this recent tasting did nothing to dispel the confusion surrounding this wine. It exhibits a dark, murky color with some amber at the edge, a large framework, and good ripeness. The rough tannins have taken the upper hand, and it appears this wine will lose its fruit long before its tannins. Moreover, the wine lacks finesse, charm, and suppleness because of its rustic style. I would opt for drinking it over the next 10-12 years. Last tasted, 6/93.
My notes on the 1983 Beychevelle have always been uneven and this recent tasting did nothing to dispel the confusion surrounding this wine. It exhibits a dark, murky color with some amber at the edge, a large framework, and good ripeness. The rough tannins have taken the upper hand, and it appears this wine will lose its fruit long before its tannins. Moreover, the wine lacks finesse, charm, and suppleness because of its rustic style. I would opt for drinking it over the next 10-12 years. Last tasted, 6/93. Aug 1993, www.robertparker.com
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.