Chateau Beychevelle Saint Julien 2022
Country: France Region: Bordeaux
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot / Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2022
Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Chateau Beychevelle
Description:
Chateau Beychevelle, due to its classic, stunning architecture of the chateau and beautiful gardens, is often referred to by its fans as the Bordeaux version of Versailles. However, the history of Beychevelle dates back much further than that. In its formative years, it was the property of the Foix Candale family.
With its distinctive label of a sailing boat, Beychevelle is a Bordeaux that is popular the world over. Always one of the most forward and "user-friendly" of the Saint Julien classed growths, this is a wine that is usually made to give relatively early drinking pleasure rather than to win academic blind tastings. We have noticed a significant step-up in quality in recent vintages. The percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon is low for the Northern Médoc and there is always a high percentage of Merlot in the final blend. From a vineyard that is 90 hectares in size. Always polished and supple, it is in huge demand in China where it is known as "Dragon Boat Wine".
The 2022 was made from a yield of 36 hl/ha and is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot.
The 2022 Beychevelle has turned out nicely, offering up aromas of ripe berry compote mingled with notions of petals, espresso roast and rich, toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied, sweet and fleshy, it's velvety and layered, with plenty of powdery tannin lurking behind its ripe core of fruit. It's a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Fans of contemporary Beychevelle's rich, lusty style will love it. 2025 - 2042
94
William Kelley, Wine Advocate, March 2025
A bright red colour with spicy wood, menthol and fresh fred fruit on the nose. Peppery, juicy and silky, this is meidweight and easy. Lightly peppery and soft, it should drink well from an early age. Pithy and lithe.
91/93
Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintners, April 2023
Intense blackberries and blackcurrants with spice and lead-pencil aromas. Medium-bodied, it has creamy and polished tannins and a long and flavorful finish. The cabernet sauvignon is singing here. 54% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot and 4% petit verdot. Give it three to five years of bottle age. Best after 2028.
95
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, February 2025
A blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Beychevelle has a TPI of 78 and a pH of 3.8. It is deep garnet-purple in color and needs a swirl or two to wake up pronounced notes of crème de cassis, plum preserves, and Morello cherries, giving way to nuances of candied violets, Darjeeling tea, and dark chocolate. The medium to full-bodied palate is densely laden with layers of black fruit preserves, supported by fine-grained tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with a mineral lift.
94/96
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, May 2023
This is good stuff, intense, rippled cassis, pomegranate and cocoa bean, with smoked charcoal, sandalwood, cloves - another St Julien that is flirting with exuberance, a little unusual for the appellation but very enjoyable, clear ageing ability and impressive construction. Romain Ducolomb technical director, Philippe Blanc director.
95
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, March 2025
54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Fragrant and floral on the nose. Lovely texture and tannins, the palate satiny and fine. Pure, fresh and long as well. Nothing overstated and plenty of charm. (JL) 14%
Drink 2030– 2045
