Scores
90
Robert Parker
The Beychevelle 2011 is a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that was picked between 14th and 29th September, with twelve days of picking between those dates. The yield is one of Beychevelle’s lowest at 39.5hl/ha with 13.2% alcohol and an IPT of 78. It has decent concentration on the nose, red rather than black fruit: raspberry, cranberry and a touch of pomegranate struck through with graphite and tobacco. It is medium-bodied with chalky tannins on the entry that is showing a little grittiness and chalkiness to its texture. It has crisp acidity and firm backbone with a grainy, masculine, tobacco tinged, tapered finish that is a little raw at present.
91
Vinous
The 2011 Beychevelle is similar to the bottle six months ago with quite a floral, Margaux-like bouquet, cedar and a touch of camphor, bilberry and sous-bois. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins. There is good weight and freshness here, well-balanced with that dash of white pepper on the finish (though less of the truffle than last time.) Still, this is worth your attention. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical at the property.
91
James Suckling
Plenty of blueberry and currant character with soft and velvety tannins and a pretty balance of fruit, alcohol and bright acidity. Nicely done.