We have a case of 1978 Beychevelle today in excellent condition (pictured above), and it's another fine example of this underappreciated vintage. This Fourth Growth Chateau is located in Saint-Julien, with vineyards spanning approximately 90 hectares planted predominantly to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and smaller portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The estate, with roots dating back to the 17th century, is known for producing structured and elegant wines, which have been some of our client's favorite buys with age. In 1978, a cool growing season resulted in lighter-bodied wines with firm acidity, showcasing classic Left Bank characteristics despite challenging weather. The winemaking at Beychevelle emphasizes traditional methods, with fermentation in stainless steel followed by aging in around 50% new oak. It's a beautiful example that can be enjoyed now and is a fantastic buy for Bordeaux with age.
John Gilman 91 pts! "The 1978 Beychevelle could still do with a few more years in the cellar to fully blossom, but with a bit of extended aeration, it begins to emerge from its adolescent stage. Given the combination of the 1978 vintage’s slightly green edge and Beychevelle’s propensity to show a bit of bell pepper as well when it is still on the young side, there is a touch of herbaceousness here that may be a bit off-putting to those with a low tolerance to pyrazines. But the nose is complex and lovely at the same time, as it offers up scents of cherries, a touch of bell pepper (already moving in the direction of chipotles), cigar ash, lovely soil tones, a bit of tobacco leaf and a faint whiff of cedar. On the palate the wine is medium-full, long and complex, with fine elegance, moderate tannins, fine intensity of flavor and impressive length and grip on the tangy finish. I really like this wine, but would want to give it four or five more years of cellaring to allow the bit of remaining tannins on the backend to recede further. But this will be a very good drink in a few more years. (Drink between 2015 - 2040)"
1978 Château Beychevelle
1978 Château Beychevelle
We have a case of 1978 Beychevelle today in excellent condition (pictured above), and it's another fine example of this underappreciated vintage. This Fourth Growth Chateau is located in Saint-Julien, with vineyards spanning approximately 90 hectares planted predominantly to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and smaller portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The estate, with roots dating back to the 17th century, is known for producing structured and elegant wines, which have been some of our client's favorite buys with age. In 1978, a cool growing season resulted in lighter-bodied wines with firm acidity, showcasing classic Left Bank characteristics despite challenging weather. The winemaking at Beychevelle emphasizes traditional methods, with fermentation in stainless steel followed by aging in around 50% new oak. It's a beautiful example that can be enjoyed now and is a fantastic buy for Bordeaux with age.
John Gilman 91 pts! "The 1978 Beychevelle could still do with a few more years in the cellar to fully blossom, but with a bit of extended aeration, it begins to emerge from its adolescent stage. Given the combination of the 1978 vintage’s slightly green edge and Beychevelle’s propensity to show a bit of bell pepper as well when it is still on the young side, there is a touch of herbaceousness here that may be a bit off-putting to those with a low tolerance to pyrazines. But the nose is complex and lovely at the same time, as it offers up scents of cherries, a touch of bell pepper (already moving in the direction of chipotles), cigar ash, lovely soil tones, a bit of tobacco leaf and a faint whiff of cedar. On the palate the wine is medium-full, long and complex, with fine elegance, moderate tannins, fine intensity of flavor and impressive length and grip on the tangy finish. I really like this wine, but would want to give it four or five more years of cellaring to allow the bit of remaining tannins on the backend to recede further. But this will be a very good drink in a few more years. (Drink between 2015 - 2040)"
