Château Beychevelle 4. Cru Classé, Saint-Julien, 2005, 75cl

Dark ruby garnet, good color coverage, inviting fruit sweetness on the nose, delicate vanilla, delicate heart cherries. Juicy, elegant and very charming on the palate, carried by a fresh acidity, red berry finish, very classic, light-footed, already a pleasure to drink. Offers some finesse.

Still vibrant and young at 19 years old, full of charm, silky textured tannins that are well integrated but still very much cradling the fruit, with waves of cigar box, crushed rocks, earth, saffron and tobacco. Great moment to drink, 60% new oak for ageing.

Very much in an elegant style, this wine shows soft, almost velvet tannins supporting the ripe fruit. It has richness, a round character masking the dense texture, and setting off the clean red berry fruits and fresh acidity.