At the 20 year mark, tawny ruby in colour, just beginning to soften in terms of its mouthfeel but still with plenty of tannic structure, this feels well balanced and elegant, in classic St Julien territory. Tobacco, cigar box, soy, turmeric, cumin, cassis, charming, finessed and thoroughly enjoyable style, with mouthwatering freshness on the finish. Harvest September 30 to October 16, 60% new oak.

Shows gorgeous aromas of crushed raspberry and mineral. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. A very pretty wine. The best Beychevelle since 2000. JS

Beychevelle is on the rebound as evidenced by what they have accomplished over recent years. A good example of this chateau, the elegant, finesse-styled 2004 exhibits black cherry and cassis fruit interwoven with loamy soil, dried herb, and spicy oak notes. Medium-bodied, elegant, finely tuned, and finesse-styled, it is not short on flavor or depth. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022.

A very similar note to last time with that Cabernet driven nose with the graphite a little more pronounced, but ditto that slight green edge. The palate is medium-bodied, harmonious with fine tannins, a little gritty towards the finish that just lacks a little length. A wine that chooses to play it safe. I guess the palate is just a little underwhelming after that lovely nose Drink 2010-2020.

Moderately saturated red-ruby. Cassis, blackberry, tobacco, cedar and currant leaf on the aromatic nose, along with a faint leathery rusticity. A juicy, spicy midweight, with a sweet, perfumed quality and sound acidity in the mouth. Not especially dense, but flavorful, minerally and brisk. Finishes with good grip and a repeating note of leather.

Red-ruby. Musky aromas of plum, redcurrant, espresso, tobacco leaf and smoked meat. Silky on entry, then firm in the middle, with a slightly dry character to the plum flavor. A tad musky and wild but with no shortage of complexity.

Real interest and excitement. Difficult to spit this one out! Sweet start but overall juicy and appetising and not tarty. Second favourite of the group, after Gruaud.
JR - March 2014