2016 Ch Beychevelle 4ème Cru, St-Julien

This is a serious wow wine, that is one of the great vintages of all time for Beychevelle. The complex aromatics with their floral, leafy tobacco, forest floor, blackberry, and black currant profile is the perfect introduction to the wine. On the palate, the wine is deep, full-bodied, concentrated, long, and rich, ending with layers of elegant, soft, lifted black and red fruits. Drink from 2024-2056.

98 points Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Aromas of cedar and tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied with polished tannins. It’s persistent and drinkable, with contained richness and length. It needs some time to come together. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.

95 points Jacobo García Andrade for James Suckling 

A blue-black deep red, nearly opaque, this the sexiest wine ever created at Beychevelle. The nose moves with cassis, tobacco, cigar box, flowers, boysenberry and dark chocolate. The fruit has unbelievable length, purity, density and silk sheets for tannins -- grand style and character here. This is the first vintage produced in their gleaming, brand new, state-of-the-art cellars. Made from blending 47% Cabernet Sauvignon , 47% Merlot , 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc , the wine reached 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.62. The Grand Vin represents just 60% of the harvest, which took place from October 3 to October 15, the latest harvest in the history of Beychevelle.

One of Bordeaux's most recognisable estates, Château Beychevelle has been captivating wine lovers for centuries with its striking château and iconic dragon headed ship adorning every label. Known as the "Versailles of the Médoc", the estate takes its name from the legend of passing ships lowering their sails in respect to the Duke of Épernon. Beyond its rich history, Beychevelle has earned its place among Saint Julien's finest Fourth Growths, producing wines celebrated for their elegance, harmony and remarkable consistency.

The exceptional 2016 vintage is regarded as one of Bordeaux's greatest, combining superb concentration with freshness, precision and effortless balance. The estate's deep gravel soils produced Cabernet Sauvignon of outstanding purity, while meticulous vineyard selection and careful élevage have created a wine of impressive structure and finesse that will reward patient collectors for decades.

Deep garnet with youthful ruby highlights, the bouquet is beautifully layered with aromas of cassis, blackcurrant and black cherry entwined with cedar, graphite and cigar box. As the wine evolves, notes of violets, pencil shavings, tobacco leaf and subtle spice emerge, adding complexity and unmistakable Saint Julien character. The palate is seamless and refined, combining concentrated black fruits with polished tannins, vibrant freshness and an elegant mineral backbone. Long, poised and beautifully proportioned, the finish lingers with savoury depth, cedar and floral perfume.

A magnificent partner for roast rack of lamb, Chateaubriand, venison loin, duck with wild mushrooms or mature Comté. Already immensely impressive with extended decanting, this outstanding Saint Julien will continue to evolve gracefully over many decades.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2050.