On Bordeaux's Left Bank lies Chateau Beychevelle, a prestigious Fourth Growth estate whose wines sail the seas higher than the boats on its label. Located in Saint-Julien near top estates like Chateau Branaire-Ducru and Ducru-Beaucaillou, Beychevelle has quietly risen in rank over the past 30 years, cementing its status as one of the region's most historic and respected estates. Its immaculate blends, vast vineyard, and five-star hospitality make Beychevelle wine a prize for any collector.
Beychevelle Wine History
Chateau Beychevelle was originally founded in the 1300s, though its "modern" wine roots date back to 1565, when Bishop Francois of Foix-Candale built the chateau. Two centuries later, Beychevelle gained its reputation once the Duke of Eperon purchased the estate. The Duke was a respected admiral, and as such, passing sailboats would lower their sails when crossing the estate to show their allegiance to the admiral. The grand gesture was immortalized on Beychevelle's label, which features a large ship, and the chateau's architecture, which features cubic shapes and large windows.
After a century of ownership, the estate gained enough acclaim to be classified as Fourth Growth status in the 1855 Classification. Throughout its winemaking history, Beychevelle was reputed as an uninspiring estate, leading many to gloss over its wines. However, throughout the past 30 years, a quiet revolution has taken place thanks to the appointment of Philippe Blanc as head winemaker. Now Beychevelle's Estate Manager, Blanc, was joined by former Chateau Clinet winemaker, Romaine Ducolomb, in 2012, leading to higher-quality wines. And, Grands Millesimes de France's acquisition of Beychevelle the year prior cemented the estate as one of Saint-Julien's most prestigious wines.
Beychevelle Saint Julien Terroir
Beychevelle is located on 250 hectares of prime terroir in Saint Julien. Almost 90 hectares are planted with vines, while the remaining land comprises grazing cattle, pine forests, and pine, polar, ash, and walnut trees. The vineyard sits on Garonne gravel and houses Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot vines. Planting density is high here, with 8,300 to 10,000 vines per hectare, which averages 30 years. The nearby Gironde estuary provides a regulating effect on the climate, while the famous gravel soils drain excess water, ensuring the fruit ripens perfectly. Furthermore, Beychevelle holds small plots of land just outside of Saint Julien, as sites in the Médoc are blended into the final cuvée.
Beychevelle Vinification
Each harvest is hand-picked and sorted before undergoing plot-by-plot vinification. Once Millesimes de France took ownership, the cellar was renovated and upgraded with modern equipment, including new vats for individual plots. The smaller vats are reserved for the Grand Vin, while the larger vats are used for the second wine, Amiral de Beychevelle, and fruit from the Medoc. Following their time in vats, the fruit is given a cold soak at 10 degrees Celsius, followed by a warmer fermentation. The vinification process then ends in an elevage, and the wines are aged in 70% new French oak barrels for 18 months.
Chateau Beychevelle Wines
Beychevelle's Grand Vin has been noted as one of Saint Julien's greatest blends, a Cabernet Sauvignon-driven wine with a large amount of Merlot and added touches of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Typically, final cuvees include 52% Cabernet, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot; the high amount of Merlot is unusual in Left Bank blends and more than any classified estate in Saint Julien. The fruit's inclusion gives Beychevelle wine a unique aromatic richness, while the Cabernet creates a well-balanced and generous, silky texture.
Amiral de Beychevelle
Each vintage, Beychevelle crafts a second wine, Amiral de Beychevelle, using fruit from younger vines on the same plot as the Grand Vin. Because of the main label's rigorous selection process, large amounts of exquisite fruit are left over, making Amiral de Beychevelle one of Bordeaux's top second wines. The vinification process is equally as rigorous as the Beychevelle Grand Vin; however, the final blend is made to be more approachable and affordable.
According to top critic Neal Martin, the Amiral is highly underrated and displays wonderful elegance and finesse while revealing itself quickly to drinkers. Bottles can be stored for up to 15 years and represent a valuable purchase.
Chateau Beychevelle 2018
Beychevelle's 2018 vintage marked a new high for the chateau, as the bottle quickly became a favorite amongst Bordeaux drinkers and critics. Rated 96 points by Antonio Galloni and Jeb Dunnuck, the wine consists of 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. The harvest season saw ideal weather conditions for the vines, culminating in a harmonious and concentrated final blend. Its silky tannins and fruit-forward freshness were praised by drinkers, and, at only $115 per bottle, it represents an incredible Bordeaux value.
Chateau Beychevelle 2016
The 2016 Beychevelle was the first vintage crafted in the renovated cellar, and the final blend illustrates this change. Beychevelle's winemaking team was finally able to vinify each plot individually, possessing greater control over the winemaking and adding a sophisticated touch to the cuvée. Comprised of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, the wine was well-structured and exuded dark berry, cassis, and dried herb notes on the palate. It was rated 95 points or higher by four renowned critics and can last in the cellar for decades.
Beychevelle 1986
One of Beychevelle's most historic cuvees is the 1986 vintage. Already a terrific year in Bordeaux wine, the 1986 Beychevelle stunned critics, with Robert Parker labelling the wine "one of the best Beychevelles in the last 30 years." Almost 40 years after its birth, the bottle is still drinking beautifully and has been deemed to last for possibly another one to two decades. Its truffle and cigar notes, tertiary aromas, and complex mouthfeel have made this bottle a collector's item and highly sought-after wine.
Add Chateau Beychevelle To Your Cellar
Beychevelle provides one of Bordeaux's greatest values for discerning collectors, with high ratings, accessible pricing, and immense aging potential. Slowly rising as a star in Saint Julien, Beychevelle blends are the perfect wine for any cellar. Discover your next Bordeaux purchase today.
