2010 Beau-Sejour Becot

Tasted blind. Youthful deep ruby. Very sweet fruit with a note of vanilla. Lots of sweet black cherry. A bit jammy. Tarry and thick on the palate. A big mouthful and the tannins are brawny still. A bruiser and slightly tart on the finish. (JH)

The 2010 Beau-Séjour Bécot was picked between 5 and 22 October. This has an outstanding bouquet that is superior to anything that preceded it: a mixture of red and black fruit, undergrowth, minerals, iris and crushed violet. The oak here is seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine line of acidity, quite sensual in the mouth, especially for a 2010, that makes this more approachable that many of its peers. There is immense depth and certainly it constitutes the most powerful Bécot to date. Yet the precision and detail on the finish takes it to a higher level than the 2009 and you come away with the feeling that this is a benchmark for the Bécot family. Patience will be needed, but will be repaid. Tasted at the château.

Dark purplish crimson. Much less intense nose than its peers. Very austere and tart. Another exaggerated wine! Where's the charm? Very drying finish. (JR)