2005 Ch. Beychevelle, St Julien

Best Beychevelle any of us at Berrys has ever tasted. This has a vivid and attractive nose of raspberries and apples, and what it loses in power, compared to some of the 2005s we have tasted, it gains in finesse. A silky texture and fresh creamy red fruit flavours provide a crisp, concentrated wine. The blend is made up of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46% Merlot, which is unusually high Merlot for the region. The 2004 is glorious now but showed poorly last year, so maybe the 2005 will be even better a year down the line. And let's be honest, it's so good now it is a risk well worth taking.

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 -Apr-08)