Beychevelle 2003

Despite the extreme heat of June, July and August, this beautiful wine’s terroir shows through. A dense plum/purple color is accompanied by sweet cassis and black currant aromas, broad, round, juicy fruit flavors, medium body, and hints of figs, spice box and cedar. This complete, juicy, fully mature, impressive wine can be consumed over the next 7-8 years. Drink 2014-2022

The nose, for the moment, is dominated by coconutty oak and a fabulous aromatic onslaught of generous kirsch and cassis fruit, with some floral notes. There is plenty of creamy, sweet vanilla on the palate too, but a fine weight of black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, with a chocolaty depth. There is good structure here too, with solid, ripe tannins and a tugging acidity, in a wine that is extremely promising and should drink well from the outset.

Given the performance of this somewhat mystifying but beautifully situated estate in St.-Julien, we might be seeing a resurrection in quality, or at least much more consistency. A beauty in an up-front, supple, sexy style is the generous and savory, dark ruby /plum-colored 2003 Beychevelle. Medium to full-bodied with loads of fruit and glycerin, it is much more approachable than usual, but also generously proportioned and exceptionally well-balanced. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022.