2018 Chateau Beychevelle, Saint-Julien, France, 750mL, (96 points)

The 2018 Château Beychevelle is a sumptuous and richly textured Saint-Julien, offering an irresistible combination of power, elegance, and complexity. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, with 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, it showcases crème de cassis, dark chocolate, violets, and tobacco, underscored by licorice, spice, and espresso. The silky tannins and well-integrated oak provide a luxurious mouthfeel, while its layered depth and mineral-laced finish ensure remarkable aging potential of 20+ years. A full-throttle yet refined Bordeaux, this vintage delivers both early drinking pleasure and long-term investment value.