Chateau Beychevelle has one of the richest histories in the Medoc, its roots can be traced back to the 14th Century when a feudal castle belonging to the Foix family occupied the site. Chateau Beychevelle's reputation began to flourish under the innovative and respected Pierre-Francois Guestier, leading to Fifth Growth status in 1855 despite never being mentioned in any of the previous unofficial classifications of Bordeaux. The estate was then sold to the French pension fund, GMF in the 1980s who proceeded to sell 40% to a Japanese group. It was under this corporate ownership that much needed investment was made in the Estate and the wines of Beychevelle began to return to the glory years last seen in the 19th Century.

This has a vivid and attractive nose of raspberries and apples, and what it loses in power, compared to some of the 2005s we have tasted, it gains in finesse. A silky texture and fresh creamy red fruit flavours provide a crisp, concentrated wine.

Great with lamb, aged hard cheese or poultry and vegetables.

Drink it over the next 20 years.