Chateau Beychevelle 2009

JAMES SUCKLING: "A subtle, refined 2009 with complex aromas and flavors of currants, smoke, minerals and lead pencil. Full body with ultra-refined tannins and a long, long finish. An integrated, beautiful Beychevelle. Hard not to drink now but will be much better in 2017. A wine for long-term aging."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "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." Drink: 2020 - 2042 - Robert M. Parker, Jr.

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: 93 THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The best showing yet. The wine seems to be filling out, putting on more weight, and softening. The licorice, smoke, espresso, black cherry and tobacco charms are becoming more evident. Supple, focused and youthful, give this beauty another 5 years and it should be a real treat!"

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "An opulent, ripe wine from the ever-improving Beychevelle. It is rounded with new wood flavors along with just the right amount of tannin. Deceptively soft, with a solid, dry character behind the fruit."

WINE SPECTATOR: "This has the dark, winey cassis bush and roasted plum fruit of the appellation, but steps up the integration and length, with racy linzer torte and graphite notes and a lovely tobacco-filled finish supported by mouthwatering acidity. Best from 2014 through 2026. 22,000 cases made."