The 2016 Beychevelle is comprised of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. It spent 18 months aging in 50% new and 50% second-use barrels. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it is a little broody to begin, opening slowly to reveal subtle savory notes of dried herbs, charcuterie and black olives before breaking through to a profound core of warm cassis, baked black plums, red currant jelly and candied violets. The palate is medium-bodied and delicately played with a quiet intensity of tightly wound nuances and fantastic freshness, finishing with a lingering savory lift. This latent beauty will require a bit more time than most 2016s, but promises to over-deliver to those prepared to wait. (LPB) 95+

Made from 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Beychevelle is deep garnet-purple in color. It comes barreling out of the glass with boisterous notes of crushed black plums, boysenberry preserves, and black raspberries, plus suggestions of mocha, black olives, smoked meats, and cumin seed. Medium-bodied, the palate is densely laden with black fruit preserves and savory layers, framed by firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and fruity. (LPB) 95+

The 2016 Beychevelle has a very intense, slightly more introverted bouquet than other 2016s that I have tasted: blackberry, incense, cedar and light graphite aromas emerging with time. This is quite Pauillac in style. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, a well-built and structured Beychevelle with ample freshness - more than the 2010 tasted alongside. Based on this showing, the 2016 might be entering a closed phase, so cellar it away for several years. (NM)