It was a late-night tasting in Hong Kong at the Sheraton Wineroom in Kowloon where I had my first experience with several vintages of Chateau Beychevelle. The 17th century Chateau Beychevelle is in the southwestern part of France in the Pauillac-St. Julien region, known, of course, for its famous bordeaux wines.
General Manager Phillipe Blanc talked details of the 2001, 2006 and 2007 cabernet-based bordeaux, sharing the characteristics of the wine and specifics of the terroir — a gravel, sandy soil set in gradual slopes.
The Chateau Beychevelle St. Julien 2007, a blackberry and cherry fruit wine with a hint of currants, was a very complex, well-structured wine with good acidity and excellent tannins. This wine will age well for many years. Of all the tastings that night, this one was the best.
The Chateau Beychevelle 2006 was ready to drink now with good structure and depth. A classy wine by most standards.
The Chateau Beychevelle 2001 gives you an idea of how well these wines will mature. The nose had an impeccable bouquet of sweet cherry with good acidity and tannins, confirming ’01’s status as a prime vintage.
Learning about Chateau Beychevelle from Phillipe Blanc was a plus to the great tastings. A visit to the winery is high on the list of places to see!