The identity of Beychevelle is based on a legend. At the beginning of the 17th century, the Chateau became the property of the First Duke of Epernon. He was so powerful that ships sailing the Gironde had to lower their sails up until the castle as a sign of respect and allegiance to the Duke. It was during this time that the domaine acquired its emblem, a griffon-bowed ship with its Gascon-derived named “Baisse voile” that would later become Beychevelle.
A superb property with beautiful gardens, Chateau Beychevelle produces one of the prestigious wines from the Saint-Julien appellation, which is located on the Left Bank of the Bordeaux region. More radiant than ever, the estate’s new vat house designed by architect Arnaud Boulain is at the forefront of innovation.
Among the 250-hectare property, Chateau Beychevelle oversees 90 hectares of vines that grow the typical Medoc varieties: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
The uniqueness of Beychevelle’s terroir is due to its magnificent Garonne gravel outcrops and its prime location in the immediate vicinity of the Gironde, which helps regulate and protect against the climate.
As exceptional wines, the style of Chateau Beychevelle is typified by its consistent, excellent quality. Powerful, fleshy and structured, they express the elegance and finesse of the exceptional terroir of Saint-Julien. Made for cellaring, the wines of Chateau Beychevelle evolve superbly over the years.
COLOR: Red
REGION: France
SUB-REGION: Saint Julien
FROM THE EXPERTS
JAMES SUCKLING 93
Aromas of flowers, berries and light cedar with some milk-chocolate undertones. Medium body. Creamy tannins and a firm, caressing finish. Shows tension and focus. Better after 2022.
NEAL MARTIN 92
The 2017 Beychevelle was, atypically for the vintage, quite ostentatious from barrel. Not in bottle! It has retained an atypical rich and generous bouquet that you could almost mistake for the following vintage with scents of red cherries, boysenberry, hints of crème de cassis and violet. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and fine acidity. It feels a little compact at the moment although I admire its focus. Picking at straws, it just feels abrupt on the finish, scrapers out of the exit door a bit too hastily. As such, this is a good Beychevelle, but not one of the best in recent years. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 2022 - 2040
LISA PERROTTI BROWN 94+
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Beychevelle has a fragrant, floral nose with warm cassis, preserved plums and Morello cherries plus earth, herbs and cinnamon touches. Medium-bodied, it has lovely expression with firm, fine grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak, 60% new and 40% second fill. The final blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Fifty-two percent of the production was dedicated to the grand vin, with 240,000 bottles produced. 2022 - 2042
