2021 Ch. Beausejour Becot St Emilion Grand Cru Classé 1,5 l

The 2021 Beau-Séjour Bécot is powerful, dense and quite savory, with the Franc very much in evidence. Dark red cherry, blood orange, spice, mint, rose petal, incense and scorched earth give this deep, layered Saint-Émilion tons of flavor complexity. This is such a distinctive and compelling wine.

The 2021 Beau-Séjour Bécot has realized all the potential it showed from barrel, unfurling in the glass with aromas of wild berries and plums mingled with notions of violets, lilac, forest floor and spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and pure, with a fleshy core of fruit that's framed by supple, polished tannins and bright acids, it's seamless and sensual, concluding with a long, mouthwatering finish. As readers may remember, it was cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare, delivering a blend based on Merlot with some 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role.

I loved the 2021 Beau-Séjour Bécot. This is just straight-up class with its ripe red plum and bright cherry fruit as well as mineral-laced aromatics of tobacco leaf and flowers. Medium-bodied on the palate, it has the freshness and purity of the vintage, terrific balance, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish. It's a beautiful wine in the making.