Amiral De Bechevelle 2019, St Julian

Château Beychevelle is a well-regarded wine estate based in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux's northern Haut-Médoc wine region, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary.. The estate's flagship, Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, wine is known for its supple power and smooth, rich texture, and better vintages have great aging ability. In the Bordeaux Classification of 1855 it was ranked a fourth growth.

The 250-hectare (620-acre) estate is situated in the extreme southeast of the Saint-Julien appellation, just outside the small commune of Beychevelle. The château building lies just east of Branaire-Ducru and south of Ducru-Beaucaillou. 

he second wine of this terrific estate located on the southern edge of Saint-Julien.

"A rock star of a second wine already offering pleasure, the 2018 Amiral De Beychevelle checks in as 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that comes from the younger vines of the estate and slightly more sandy soils. This makes for a more up-front, fruit-driven wine that reveals a deep purple hue as well as sumptuous array of blueberries, black cherries, lead pencil shavings, tobacco, and spring flowers. It’s classic Bordeaux on the nose, yet has a wonderful sweetness of fruit, ripe, polished tannins, no hard edges, and just a balanced, seamless style that’s ideal for enjoying over the coming 10–15 years" - 93 points, Jeb Dunnuck

"Dark fruit with cedar and herbal notes on the nose. Some meat, too. It’s full-bodied with firm tannins. Juicy and savory character on the palate with a balanced structure. Flavorful finish. Second wine. Try after 2023 when it will be more together." - 92 points, James Suckling