Beychevelle 2011 (750ML)

92 DE / 92 WE / 92 FS / 91 WS / 90-91 JS / 16.5+ JR

Less intense than the 2010 vintage, but there are still rich dark cassis and bilberry notes on offer, with blonde tobacco and walnut edging. Another wine that suggests it's time to reassess the 2011 vintage. It was pretty much the driest year on record, but still managed a 39hl/ha yield. A little closed right now, this is not the most approachable 2011 wine that I have tasted recently, however there's a lovely delicacy and elegance to the tannins, with lashings of St-Julien character. 4% Cabernet Franc makes up the blend. Matured in 50% new oak.-Jane Anson, Decanter

This impressive wine follows a straight line of structure, acidity, firm tannins and dark black fruits. The combination is a wine with depth, ripeness and an edge of austerity that demands aging. Drink from 2018. — Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

Dark ruby ​​garnet, violet reflections, delicate water edge. Delicate blackberries, black cherries, blueberry touch, fine nougat note. Complex, juicy, elegant, ripe, supporting tannins, fresh and salty, mineral aftertaste, shows some length, already drinkable, red berry aftertaste.-Peter Moser, Falstaff

A textbook St.-Julien, offering tightly layered dark plum, currant and blackberry fruit, with a strong graphite spine and dark tar and mouthwatering pastis notes on the finish. A well-built, confident wine.-James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Plenty of blueberry and currant character with soft and velvety tannins and a pretty balance of fruit, alcohol and bright acidity. Nicely done. - James Suckling