Continuing to develop nicely, the wine blends layers of ripe, opulent fruits with minerality, flowers, espresso, and licorice. There is length, complexity, and lift in the waves of fruit on the palate and in the finish. Drink now, or wait and gain additional complexities. Drink from 2023-2040.

My favorite Beau-Sejour-Becot to date this sumptuous dense blue/purple-hued 2009 reveals a blockbuster nose of blueberry pie black fruits licorice forest floor spring flowers and a hint of mocha. A blend of 70% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon made from tiny yields of 27 hectoliters per hectare this big inky powerful tannic wine is sensationally concentrated. With an unctuous texture full-bodied power and tremendous levels of tannin (largely concealed behind a cascade of rich fruit) this is a fabulous effort from a beautifully situated St.-Emilion premier grand cru classe. It will need 5-8 years of cellaring and should keep for three decades. 94+ points

Dark but racy with chocolate-covered raspberry and blackberry fruit carried by graphite and toasty cinnamon black tea and anise flavors. Firms up on the finish with a lovely note of singed apple wood that should meld nicely after cellaring. Best from 2014 through 2024.- J.M.