2022, Château Beychevelle, SAINT-JULIEN Grand Vin

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

The 2022 Beychevelle has an intense bouquet with black cherries, blueberry and touches of cassis and violet. Not as ostentatious as some other Saint-Julien wines at this early stage, but delineated, and it positively brims with energy. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit framed by beautifully-sculpted tannins. The 2022 is very harmonious, satin-like in texture, and gently fans out toward the finish. It ends up being one of the most seductive Beychevelles I have tasted from barrel, one not to be overlooked. 95-97 Neal Martin, vinous.

Unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cherries and cassis mingled with hints of violets and liquorice, framed by creamy new oak, the 2022 Beychevelle is medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, with a fleshy core of fruit framed by rich, unusually suave and polished tannins in the context of recent vintages at this address. 92-94 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

The tannins are very well-integrated with lovely bright fruit of currants and blackberries. Medium to full body. Vivid and pretty. 54% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot and 4% petit verdot. 94-95 James Suckling.

Silky and supple fruit and texture, this is impressive, with carefully built architecture, and clear ageing potential. Conveys the creamy ripe fruits of the vintage but sets them in a serious tannic frame, with bitter chocolate and slate character. Warm on the finish, but the St Julien fresh mint leaf sign-off comes in to keep things balanced. 93 Jane Anson.