2005 Chateau Beychevelle, Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml)

LP94 This attempts to seduce with its aromatics, and being honest, it succeeds. It opens with a full-blown assault of black fruits, liquorice and smoke, seemingly offering up sweet, smoky and savoury suggestions all at the same time. It certainly makes a good first impression. The palate is dry and firm, largely thanks to a firm tannic grip which still makes its presence known on the palate, supporting layers of tobacco-washed black fruits and black tea leaf, with the same sweet and smoky-savoury paradox as seen on the nose. It finishes firm, with good grip, and while the aromatics are evolving nicely, the structure says to me there are many years of potential in this yet. Hold for now to see this at its best.

JA94 Still vibrant and young at 19 years old, full of charm, silky textured tannins that are well integrated but still very much cradling the fruit, with waves of cigar box, crushed rocks, earth, saffron and tobacco. Great moment to drink, 60% new oak for ageing.