2011 Beau-Sejour Becot

Tasted blind. Dark crimson. Rich and ripe on the nose. But a little hollow on the mid palate. More framework than substance. (JR)

The 2011 Beau-Séjour Bécot was picked between 19 September and 3 October. It has an earthy bouquet with notes of dark chocolate and mulberry mixed with a slight mulch-like scent. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, nicely balanced with a fine line of acidity. I like the spicy vein interwoven into this Saint-Émilion and it is endowed with fine tension on the finish. Maybe it is a little conservative compared to other recent vintages, but there is a freshness, a brightness that is very appealing. Tasted at the château.

Leafy dark-fruit aroma, cedary. A bit flat and slightly high-acid on the palate, but the texture is nicely done. Long if a little tart at the end. (JH)