2008 - Beychevelle, Saint-Julien

A little deeper in colour than the 2007, as befits a late-ripening vintage where they made the most of the Indian Summer. The tannins are less melted than the 2007, this still has a few years to go before fully softening, but you can certainly start drinking and enjoying today. Tobacco leaf, raspberry, brambled loganberry and cassis fruit, liqourice root, cloves, fresh acidites, some remnants of the austere tannins of the early years, but this is sliding into being a delicious wine, stretching out through the finish. Harvest September 29 to October 16, one of the later finishes in the lineup, 60% new oak.

The 2008 Beychevelle was undeservedly relegated to the "off-vintages" during this tasting, but it is certainly not that. This has plenty of blackberry, cedar, ash and pencil lead scents on the nose. It has real Saint-Julien typicité. The palate is medium-bodied with solid tannins. The texture feels a bit gritty, but there is freshness and classicism from start to finish, with just the right amount of dryness on the finish. Very fine. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical at the property.

A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2008 Beychevelle is medium to deep garnet-brick in color. It storms out with pronounced notes of preserved plums, blackcurrant pastilles, and mincemeat pie, followed by nuances of chocolate box, star anise, and new leather. The medium-bodied palate delivers a sturdy backbone of chewy tannins and soft acidity to support the well-sustained, spicy mid-palate, finishing with a peppery lift.