I have had two encounters with the 1945 Beychevelle, albeit some years ago. Both attest to a great Saint-Julien from a property that enjoyed a postwar purple patch. The nose is astonishing: vivacious and ripe so that it felt almost botrytised, with hints of licorice leather and cigar box. The palate is medium-bodied with a sensual and smooth texture. It must have been very concentrated in its youth but has held on to a sense of verve and harmony. Sublime. Tasted at the Beychevelle vertical in London in May 2008. -- Neal Martin