Tasting Notes
Vinous 92
The 2001 Beychevelle has been an inconsistent performer in the past. Now at 20 years, the aromatics seem to have cohered, displaying slightly more delineation than the 2000 and offering black fruit, loam, mint and a touch of pine cone. The lightly spiced palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, lithe and focused. A dash of white pepper and blood orange appears toward the finish. This might well be the best bottle that I have encountered.
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2040
Robert Parker 89
Tasted at the French Embassy in London. I have upheld the view that Beychevelle was a little out of sorts around the turn of the millennium. Here. It has a well-defined, harmonious nose with blackberry, cedar, mint and a touch of black tea. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft entry, tart red cherries, wild strawberry and cedar, but it is marred by a rather bitter, severe finish that certainly lacks the precision that winemaker Philippe Blanc has engendered in more recent vintages. An obdurate but worthy/sturdy Beychevelle. Drink 2011-2024. Tasted November 2010.
Anticipated maturity: 2011-2024
JancisRobinson.com 16.0
Very mature and quite treacly on the nose. Light and just slightly lean but good luncheon claret.
Anticipated maturity: 2007-2015
