AJ | Dense, deep, saturated black-red. Very spicy on the nose (a particular type of oak?); attractive and well-crafted, but it is not necessarily the vineyard that we are sniffing. Attractive and enticing nonetheless. Svelte, light, darting and intense on the palate: shapely and brisk. Impressive concentration (thanks to the acidity) but a slightly lack of extractive weight and fleshy follow-through for me.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2032. 90
MS | Dense, ripe-fruited, mineral packed, a complex, imposing nose that promises much; beautifully balanced, classically restrained St Julien, concentration but freshly defined, and very finely tannic in texture; elegant, and harmonious, with plenty of flavour, but retaining a riverside refinement, this is deep and ripe and fresh, close knit, long and complex, subtly minerally, and very prolonged to finish. A particularly classy expression of both Beychevelle and of St Julien. Such finesse of texture you could drink with great pleasure relatively early, but the wait will reward. Drink Dates: 2030 - 2050+. 94