2013 Beychevelle

Retains a memory of redcurrant and raspberry fruit, gentle with skilful hands off winemaking that doesnt push too hard, this is charming with fine tannins, very much ready to drink, cloves dominant on the finish, suggesting the judicious use of oak was not fully balanced by depth of fruit. An unusual blend, reflecting the challenges of the vintage, harvest October from 1 to 10, 60% new oak.

The 2013 Beychevelle has a savory nose with simple red berry fruit that becomes a little herbaceous with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, but this is one 2013 that does show a bit of greenness on the finish. Maybe that lends a bit of freshness? Drink soon, either way. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On tasting.

The 2013 Beychevelle has a very light, tertiary, gravel-scented nose that lacks fruit intensity, like many Left Bank wines in this annus horribilis. The palate is medium-bodied with rustic, grainy tannins. Fine acidity, quite mature with a ferrous, black pepper-tinged, reasonably dry finish. You know, it's not that bad, but I would not leave it in bottle too long. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical at the property.