| NAME |
BEYCHEVELLE (Château) |
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| PROPRIETOR |
S.C.E. Château Beychevelle (GMF Insurance & Suntory Ltd.) |
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| APPELLATION |
St-Julien, 4th Grand Cru Classé |
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| COMMUNE |
Saint-Julien-Beychevelle |
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| VINEYARD |
74 hectares. Deep bed of gravel on subsoil of clay and sandstone. Density of plantation: 8,000-10,000 vines per hectare. |
| VARIETALS |
62% Cabernet Sauvignon
31% Merlot
5% Cabernet Franc
2% Petit Verdot
Average age: 30 years |
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| PRODUCTION |
20,000 - 24,000 cases per year (45 to 60% of overall production).
2nd wine: Amiral de Beychevelle (15 000 – 20 000 cs) |
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| VINIFICATION |
Harvested 100% by hand, the grapes are vinified traditionally in stainless steel and epoxy-lined vats. The wine is aged 18 months in oak barrels of which 50% are renewed each year. |
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| STYLE |
Dark ruby colour, delightful, rich aromas and always balanced.
Beychevelle, being situated in the most southern part of the Saint-Julien appellation, is often characterised by its finesse and elegance (more Margaux in style) in comparison to the more northern, Pauillac styled, Saint Julien's. Ageing potential : 10-40 years |
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| MARKET NOTE |
With the arrival of the young and competent Technical Director, Philippe BLANC (1996 vintage), along with the oenological surveillance of Jacques BOISSENOT, Beychevelle continues to be amongst the Médoc's leading twenty estates. Beychevelle is referred to as the “Versailles of the Médoc” due to the splendour of the château and the design of its gardens.
Beychevelle, while respective of its journalistic critics, refuses to make wines to satisfy stylistic media preferences. Once in bottle, and through blind tastings, numerous professionals ultimately admit that Beychevelle is easily amongst the region's best wine. |
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High Resolution
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