The 2021 Beychevelle Bordeaux Blend, produced in the St Julien sub-region of Bordeaux, France, boasts a harmonious and balanced profile. This wine, a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, has been met with consistent praise from reviewers, reflecting its complexity and potential.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a score of 92+ points, describing it as opening with "notes of sweet berry compote, plums and creamy new oak," with a "medium to full-bodied, fleshy palate" and a "vanillin-inflected finish" (William Kelley, 2/9/2024).
Jane Anson awarded it a 93, noting its "soft ruby rose in colour" and highlighting the "fresh acidities" amidst a "gentle and fine tannic frame." She remarked on the flavors of "raspberry and redcurrant fruits," along with "tobacco leaf and smoked earth," suggesting it has "St Julien balance and charm" (Jane Anson, 5/28/2024).
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com rated it even higher at 94, pointing out its "flowers, tobacco, spice, currants and black raspberries" on the nose and a palate that is "medium-bodied, almost light on its feet" with "sweet black currants, peppery cherries, chewy blackberries, dark chocolate and a touch of refreshing spearmint" (Jeff Leve, 3/9/2024).
Jeb Dunnuck also gave it a 93+ score, praising it as "clearly a star in the vintage" with "gorgeous notes of crème de cassis, spicy oak, smoked tobacco, and iron." He emphasized its "concentrated, layered mouthfeel" and "beautiful overall balance," predicting it will evolve well over the next two decades (Jeb Dunnuck, 4/3/2024).
Vinous' Antonio Galloni rated it at 94, describing it as "elegant, understated and classy," with a "medium body" and "impeccably balanced from start to finish." He noted its "dark-toned fruit, gravel, menthol, licorice, spice and new oak" (Antonio Galloni, 2/27/2024).
Finally, Decanter also scored it 94, lauding its "darkly herbal, spiced and perfumed nose" and "supple, fruity, forward and lively" character. They appreciated its "silky and fine" tannins and "structure and backbone" (Decanter, 4/1/2022).
Overall, the 2021 Beychevelle Bordeaux Blend is a well-balanced, complex wine with significant aging potential, making it a noteworthy addition to any cellar.