2011 Château Beychevelle

Attractive fine tannins, this has savoury blue and red fruits, redcurrant and bilberry dominant, alongside mandarin peel freshness giving an attractive lift through the palate, plenty of St Julien signature if subdued right now - this is a vintage that will continue to deliver elegance over the long-term but is not about power. A dry growing season, relatively cool in summer but with little rainfall, meaning an early year with harvest September 14 to 20, 60% new oak for ageing.

The 2011 Beychevelle is similar to the bottle six months ago with quite a floral, Margaux-like bouquet, cedar and a touch of camphor, bilberry and sous-bois . The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins. There is good weight and freshness here, well-balanced with that dash of white pepper on the finish (though less of the truffle than last time.) Still, this is worth your attention. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical at the property.

The 2011 Beychevelle has a well defined bouquet with brambly black fruit, bilberry, cedar and light graphite scents. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine acidity, a dash of white pepper and truffle, with just a hint of cassis on the Margaux-like finish. Not bad, though not the best that Philippe Blanc has ever made. It reflects the limitations of the vintage. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.