2005 Ch. Beychevelle, St. Julien

The quintessentially elegant yet powerful 2005 may be the finest Beychevelle made since 1982. Its opaque ruby/purple color and sweet nose of camphor, blueberries, black currants, flowers, and crushed rocks precede a lovely, sweet, rich wine with zesty acidity delineating its medium to full-bodied personality, laser-like precision, and impressive purity and length. While this estate often does not live up to its pedigree, the 2005 is the real deal. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2025 .

While this is a strong effort from a property that too often does not live up to its pedigree, I had hoped the 2005 Beychevelle would merit an even higher score. A deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by a sweet perfume of roasted herbs, black cherries, and even blacker fruits. The wine is medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin, good acidity, and a fruitcake-like spiciness and earthiness. Pure and long with a tannic clout that is neither intrusive nor excessive, this elegant, powerful effort should be at its finest between 2017-2030.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - 30-Apr-2008)
Robert Parker