Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London.The 2006 Chateau Beychevelle has a more open and more complex bouquet compared to the 2006 Talbot. I appreciate the clarity and detail here with briary, cedar and touches of forest floor, suggesting that it has both feet planted on its drinking plateau. The palate is medium-bodied with a firm grip in the mouth. This is clean and fresh with a fine line of acidity: brambly red fruit, white pepper, cloves and a touch of fennel on the finish. This surpasses previous bottles that I have tasted. Tasted January 2016.

A property that seems to be awakening, this St.-Julien leans toward more of a Margaux style. The attractive earthy, floral, red currant, and raspberry notes are impressively intense and complex in the aromatics. This dark ruby/purple-tinged wine displays elegance, finesse, and a beautiful mouthfeel in a restrained, moderately intense, but still classic style with sweet tannins. Tobacco, cedar, earth, and red and black fruits are prominent in both the aromas and the flavors. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years.

Beychevelle’s style is for elegance, and this wine epitomizes that character. It is sweet, soft, with light tannins, achieving a balance of black fruits and acidity, light in structure and depth.——R.V.(3/1/2009)—— 90