A wonderful pairing to the 2000 vintage, and a great example of St Julien finesse and welcome. Perhaps a little less depth than the 2000 at this point, after a strong decade where the 2001 was the dominant vintage of the pair, it is beginning to be overtaken in terms of structure and fruit delivery but this remains an utterly charming wine (and a great teaching pair for how vintages are about choosing when to drink rather than just a simple which one is best). Tobacco, smoked caramel, rose petals, raspberries, fine tannins, cocoa dusting, cold ash, ready to drink but will continue to age. Harvest September 1 to October 14, 60% new oak.

The 2001 Beychevelle has more exuberance on the nose compared to the 2000, with brambly red fruit, leather, loam and cedar scents better defined and focused. The palate is well-balanced with fine delineation. Crisp and taut, a judicious touch of spice lends tension, gently building towards the white pepper and orange rind-tinged finish. Delicious. A point. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical at the property.

Drink 2008-2013
-Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide No 7

Elegant notes of damp earth, underbrush, sweet cherries, and currants arise from the modest bouquet. While a distinctive soil character dominates the fruit, it offers good richness, medium body, and moderate tannin in an elegant, stylish format. It is good to see this well-known property produce an excellent wine. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2013.

Good full ruby-red. Rather cool aromas of cassis, bitter chocolate, tobacco leaf and shoe polish; shows a slightly musky, herbaceous aspect. Then moderately dense but a bit green, with the herbaceous character carrying through in the mouth and on the finish. Seems a bit dry on the end, with spiky tannins and modest length. Blanc emphasized that the malolactic fermentation went slowly in 2001, and that this wine had only been blended in February, suggesting that it was thus too early to get an accurate look at the new vintage.