Joanin Becot 2020 (750ML)

92-93 JS / 92 DE / 90-92 JD / 90-92 WA

This is very spicy with lots of crushed sea salt and cloves. Dark fruit, chocolate and blackberries. Very round, yet chewy. A luxurious red from this appellation. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc. - James Suckling

Full of life, with a blueberry coulis burst on the attack and raspberry leaf edging. Some austerity to the tannins, but settles in to the glass, and this should be ready to go within a year or two of bottling. A yield of 20hl/ha, low mainly from the hail at the end of May rather than the drought. They lost around 40% of the vineyard (also why less Cabernet Franc is in the blend than usual). Consultant Thomas Duclos, technical director Jean de Cornuaud. The estate is located in St-Philippe d'Aiguilhe, with a cooler terroir than Beausejour Becot, meaning harvest here was September 19th to October 9th. - Jane Anson, Decanter

Readers looking for a good case purchase that will provide lovely, classic drinking over the coming decade should look at the 2020 Château Joanin Bécot. Medium-bodied, beautifully fruited, and textured, with ripe tannins and a great mid-palate, it’s a no-brainer purchase. - Jeb Dunnuck

The 2020 Joanin Becot has a deep purple-black color and fragrant notions of Morello cherries, black raspberries, stewed plums and violets, with hints of cardamom and Sichuan pepper, plus a touch of forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is soft and juicy, delivering compelling freshness and a beautifully harmonious finish. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate