Beychevelle

Specification

Producer

Beychevelle

Region

Bordeaux

Where

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux

Classification

Fourth Growth (1855)

Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Vintage

1989

Case

12 x 75cl OWC

Held at

Wine Tunnels, London City Bond (in bond)

Code

BEYCHE8912X75

About this wine

The grand vin of Château Beychevelle is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It is a classic Saint-Julien: elegant and harmonious, with blackcurrant, cedar and fine tannins rather than sheer power. It is fairly approachable when young and ages well, often over twenty years or more.

About Beychevelle

Château Beychevelle lies at the southern entrance to Saint-Julien, overlooking the Gironde. It was ranked a Fourth Growth in the 1855 Classification. Its name is said to come from 'baisse-voile', the order to lower sails given to ships passing the estate when it belonged to the Duc d'Épernon, an admiral of France, and a ship appears on its label.

The estate is owned by Grands Millésimes de France, and its elegant château is one of the most admired in the Médoc. Beychevelle is generally considered to perform above its Fourth Growth ranking, and it has long been a favourite of collectors.