A spectacular wine from this nearly 50-acre vineyard situated atop St.-Emilion’s famed limestone plateau, the final blend for the 2012 Beau-Sejour Becot was 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. It achieved 14% natural alcohol and yields were 31 hectoliters per hectare. One of the stars of the vintage, it is elegant yet powerful, rich and authoritative with abundant black raspberry, blueberry, graphite and toasty vanillin notes. Full-bodied and super rich for a 2012, it is packed with potential. The tannins are ripe as well as abundant suggesting several years of bottle age will be required. It should turn out to be a 20 year proposition. (RP)

A red with juicy fruit and fine tannins including a dried meat and smoke undertone. Full body, tight tannins and a flavorful finish. Improved in barrel. A joy to taste.

The 2012 Beau-Séjour Bécot was picked between 9 and 18 October. This has a rich and quite decadent bouquet compared to other vintages: copious red cherry and wild strawberry fruit mixed with blueberry and maybe just a touch of VA. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin, sweet and generous in the mouth with touches of fig and damson jam towards the finish. It is a lovely, caressing Beau-Séjour Bécot although perhaps I might have picked this just a little earlier? Tasted at the château. (NM)