2015 Château Beychevelle

The 2015 Beychevelle is more backward on the nose with a greater proportion of black fruit compared to its peers. Well-defined if tightly coiled at present. The palate is medium-bodied with a sapid entry and licorice-tinged black fruit. It's a little Saint-Estèphe like in style, drier on the finish, but it lingers nicely in the mouth. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting at Farr Vintners.

Sappy and fragrant red fruits, crayon and crushed roses, thoroughly charming and in its drinking window. Mouthwatering, finessed tannins, plenty of grilled cassis fruit, woodsmoke and leather, soft landing on the finish. Harvest September 22 to October 8, 60% new oak for ageing, Philippe Blanc director.

The 2015 Beychevelle is a vintage where I feel Philippe Blanc really excelled. It has an extremely attractive bouquet with vibrant black fruit, more cedar than previous bottles and much less of the medicinal element that I have observed before. Finely delineated, the palate is very well balanced, harmonious and youthful, fresh with a slightly glossiness on the finish. Great potential and just a top-notch Saint-Julien.