Press review

Decanter (4/1/2010) : **** 17/20 Maturity: 2015-2024

Deep purple red, fine crushed blackcurrants, attractive dense fruit and already a touch of complexity, good ripeness and depth, freshness and fine Saint-Julien elegance.

Domaine (3/1/2010)

The 2009 vintage has many unique characteristics, and the degreeof alcohol has never been higher. Furthermore, both the tanninand polyphenol levels broke all records in 2009. However, thanksto beautiful acidity, the wine remains fresh and well-balanced.It is tremendously fruity (with blackcurrant, black cherry and very ripe blackberry nuances) reflecting just the right degree of maturity in the grapes, without any overripeness. The wine is very full-bodied on the palate, but also well-structured and silky. The oak is understated and elegant. While there is plenty of tannin, this is quite delicious and without any noticeable astringency, which bodes well for good ageing. 2009 Château Beychevelle displays not only finesse and balance, but also enormous power. It can undoubtedly be considered one of the estate's historic vintages, and we will be delighted to compare it with other great years in the future.

Jancis Robinson (4/1/2010) : 16,5/20

Jean-Marc Quarin (3/1/2010) : 16 (89)

My best rating ever given to this wine during futures campaigns. This is the most constructed vintage that I have tasted on this estate. The color is lovely, intense and the nose is distinguished by a deeper character than usual. Fine, fruity, creamy, it smells of good black fruit. Smooth, creamy mouth, aromatic and fat, good composition with depth. Good length. The hidden tannin is still fragrant. It is good!

Le Point, Guide Jacques Dupont : 16,5/17

Parker # 199 (2/29/2012) : 93

The finest Beychevelle since the 2003 and probably since the 1982, Beychevelle’s 2009 is opaque purple in color, with a beautiful, floral nose intermixed with black currant fruit, licorice, cedar wood and Christmas fruitcake. Full-bodied yet still elegant and pure, this wine has velvety tannins, a broad, savory mouthfeel, and a very long finish. There is plenty of tannin behind the extravagant fruit, glycerin and texture of this wine, but it is largely concealed. This wine could actually turn out to be even better than my relatively conservative tasting note.

Revue du Vin de France (4/1/2010) : 17-18/20

The Wine Doctor (3/1/2010) : 15-16+/20

A dark and concentrated layer of fruit on the nose, sweet and somewhat confit in character, but very dark. Rather bold alcohol on the palate, firmly structured, piles of grippy tannins and extract here, although it does have good acidity too. It has a good presence of grip at least, but to my palate the whole package tastes a little overdone.

Wine Spectator (4/1/2010) : 90-93/100

Sweet berry and floral aromas, with a creamy undertone. Full-bodied, with a dense and polished palate, fine tannins and a long finish. Best since 2000?

The property in brief

Château Beychevelle is a prestigious great growth steeped in three centuries of history. Beychevelle was the fiefdom of the Ducs d'Epernon. The first duke, Jean Louis Nogaret de la Valette, French Grand Admiral, wielded enormous power. According to legend, all ships had to lower theirs sails as they sailed past the Château in hommage to its powerful owner. This accounted for the name Baisse-Voile, which changed to Beychevelle over the years. Built in the 17th century and reconstructed by the Marquis de Brassier in 1757, Château Beychevelle is one of the jewels of the entire Bordeaux region. Maintaining a wonderful balance between power and finesse, Beychevelle's wine reflects its elegant architecture. The château places great emphasis on environmental protection and health, and earned both Agriculture Raisonnée ("Sustainable Agriculture") and "Terra Vitis" certification in 2005.