Aromas of blueberries and minerals with hints of dried flowers. Full body, with chewy tannins and a bright finish. Structured on the finish and should open up nicely with age. Fresh. Better after 2017.

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. (RP) 94+

The 2009 Beau-Séjour Bécot was picked between 2 and 14 October. Like many 2009s it has an extravagant bouquet with red berry fruit, damson jam, hints of wild honey and crème de cassis. The oak is nicely integrated but it is the growing season that is doing the talking. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and a fine bead of acidity. Perhaps somewhat predictably it feels quite plush in the mouth but it retains admirable freshness and there is great backbone towards the ambitious finish. It pulls everything back from the brink when anything more might have tipped this 2009 into being "ostentatious" or "flash". Superb. (NM)