2018 Chateau Beychevelle Saint Julian 4Eme Cru Classe 1500ml

96 POINTS

Wine Spectator

Ripe and concentrated, but very sleek, with a remarkably pure beam of cassis and plum reduction flavors. Sweet spice, violet and apple wood notes are thoroughly embedded throughout. Polished and very long. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now. Score range: 94-97

95 POINTS

Wine Spectator

Violet and warm cassis aromas and flavors lead the way, melding with applewood, ganache, açaí and blueberry reduction notes along the way. Almost lush in the end, but there's a buried tarry streak giving it just a bit of grippy texture for contrast. Serious juice. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2038.

95 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff Magazine

Dark ruby ​​with purple reflections, brightening at the rim. Cassis is underlaid with tangerine zest and a hint of liquorice on the floral bouquet, which also has some lavender, and inviting nuances. It is juicy and elegant, with ripe cherries, savory, supporting tannins - there is still some tannin on the finish, and a ripe cherry aftertaste. Needs time, good aging potential. (2025-2045)

94 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

There is attractive tension in this wine between the dry tannins and opulently ripe black fruits. That sets the wine on a course of long-term aging. Bold, dense fruits are matched by the dry core. The wine will take time. Drink from 2027.

94 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter Magazine

This is a dark, deep colour that perfectly reflects the rich blackberry and bilberry fruits on the nose. I really have noticed that Beychevelle has raised its game over the last few vintages and it's maintaining that step-up here. The 2018 is built to age, and will do so with very little trouble. It has violet edging, a good ripe tannic structure and is full of life. It's rounded in terms of mouthfeel, smoothed out but not knocked off balance by the alcohol. It may be approachable earlier than usual perhaps, but with class, ambition and St-Julien signature. A yield of 55hl/ha, with 50% of production going into the grand vin. 60% new oak.

94 POINTS

James Suckling

Currants and blackberries with crushed stone and fresh herbs. Some flower stem, too. It’s full-bodied, yet tight and linear with firm, driven tannins. This needs four or five years of bottle age to open and come together. Try after 2025.