Chateau Beychevelle 2010
- Producer Chateau Beychevelle
-
Blend
5% Cabernet Franc
54% Cabernet Sauvignon
38% Merlot
3% Petit Verdot - Country France
- Region Bordeaux
- Appellation Saint-Julien
- UPC 0 15643 42739 8
Tasting notes
The degree of alcohol (more than 14%) set a new record, but the wines are well-balanced with good acidity. Furthermore, the tannin is extremely ripe and smooth.
Like last year, the colour is very deep, with record levels of polyphenols and anthocyanins, and the wines are tremendously fruity. The well-focused acidity makes for superb balance and fine ageing potential.
Like last year, the colour is very deep, with record levels of polyphenols and anthocyanins, and the wines are tremendously fruity. The well-focused acidity makes for superb balance and fine ageing potential.
Vintage
Despite a cold spell in late May/early June and major variations in temperature, the winter of 2009-2010 and the growing season that followed were marked by very favourable weather. On the whole, there was a great deal of sunshine typical of very good vintages.
Bud break became widespread in the latter part of April. This was fairly even and took place at much the same time for all grape varieties. Merlot flowered around the 24th of May and the Cabernets on the 29th-30th of May during less than ideal (cool and wet) weather that caused considerable coulure (shot berries). Véraison (colour change) began in late July. This took place slowly and fairly evenly for the various grape varieties. Green harvesting was done in July, essentially on 45 hectares of young vines.
Bud break became widespread in the latter part of April. This was fairly even and took place at much the same time for all grape varieties. Merlot flowered around the 24th of May and the Cabernets on the 29th-30th of May during less than ideal (cool and wet) weather that caused considerable coulure (shot berries). Véraison (colour change) began in late July. This took place slowly and fairly evenly for the various grape varieties. Green harvesting was done in July, essentially on 45 hectares of young vines.
Harvest
The first grapes were hand picked starting on the 27th of September (6 days later than in 2009), and the harvest of Merlot grapes lasted until the 1st of October. Picking of Cabernet Franc and the first Cabernet Sauvignon grapes began from the 5th to the 8th of October, and the last plots of Cabernet Sauvignon were harvested between the 11th and the 13th of October. The quality of the grapes was excellent thanks to meticulous work done in the vineyard all year and very favourable weather during the vintage (not a single day of rain).
