CRITIC REVIEWS
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
A blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2009 Beychevelle is deep garnet-brick in color. A little closed and broody to begin, it soon opens out to notes of tar, warm cassis, stewed blackberries, and licorice, plus touches of wood smoke and candied violets. The medium-bodied palate is chock full of licorice-laced black fruits with firm, ripe, grainy tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing with great length. It seems to be maturing more slowly than the 2010.
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The finest Beychevelle since the 2003 and probably since the 1982, Beychevelle’s 2009 is opaque purple in color, with a beautiful, floral nose intermixed with black currant fruit, licorice, cedar wood and Christmas fruitcake. Full-bodied yet still elegant and pure, this wine has velvety tannins, a broad, savory mouthfeel, and a very long finish. There is plenty of tannin behind the extravagant fruit, glycerin and texture of this wine, but it is largely concealed. This wine could actually turn out to be even better than my relatively conservative tasting note. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2042.