The 2003 Beychevelle Bordeaux Blend is a wine produced in the St Julien sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine, with an alcohol content of 13.0%, is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. The 2003 vintage experienced extreme heat during June, July, and August, which has influenced its character.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine a score of 92, praising its terroir. Reviewer Robert M. Parker, Jr. noted, “A dense plum/purple color is accompanied by sweet cassis and black currant aromas, broad, round, juicy fruit flavors, medium body, and hints of figs, spice box and cedar. This complete, juicy, fully mature, impressive wine can be consumed over the next 7-8 years.”
James Suckling, from jamessuckling.com, scored the wine 90 points, describing it as “Earthy, leafy, funky, and rich, with a decadent undertone of ripe fruit and spices. Full and velvety, with soft tannins and a decadent finish. Yummy, no need to wait.”
Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com also gave the wine a score of 90, highlighting its visual and aromatic qualities: “Ruby with slight bricking at the edge, jammy black raspberry, forest floor, cigar box, cedar and earthy scents create the nose. On the palate, the wine is soft, silky and offers sweet, ripe roasted black cherries and juicy plums.”
The Wine Independent rated the 2003 Beychevelle at 91 points, emphasizing its color and complex nose: “Deep brick in color, it has a subtle nose of dried plums and mulberries giving way to hints of bouquet garni, new leather, and pencil lead, plus a touch of cigars. The medium-bodied palate delivers a good amount of spicy black fruit preserves, supported by chewy tannins and soft acidity, finishing with a peppery lift.”
Wine Enthusiast awarded the wine an excellent score of 93, with reviewer Roger Voss stating, “The wine’s generosity, sweetness and fruit is balanced with the carefully crafted structure of wood that underpins it all.”
Jane Anson from janeanson.com gave the wine a score of 92, describing it as “fully ready to drink, welcoming and surprisingly fresh when you think about the heat of the vintage. Full emphasis on cloves, cumin and tobacco, campfire, brambled black fruit, pomegranate and liquorice.”
In summary, the 2003 Beychevelle Bordeaux Blend has been well-received by critics for its complexity, balance, and readiness to drink. Its rich flavors and aromatic profile make it a noteworthy wine from the challenging 2003 vintage.