Vinous - Score: 92-94 (Nov. 2019)

The 2018 Beychevelle has the highest level of alcohol at the estate at 14.5% according to winemaker Philippe Blanc. It has an attractive bouquet with liquorice tinged black fruit that gains intensity in the glass whilst maintaining admirable definition. The palate is smooth in texture, moderate depth, a little softer than anticipated with black fruit mixed with (again) liquorice, mint and white pepper. It is certainly a flamboyant Beychevelle, but in my opinion that comes at the expense of a little typicité . It remains a thoroughly pleasurable Beychevelle, although I prefer the more complex 2016 at this stage. Tasted twice with consistent notes.