CHATEAU BEYCHEVELLE 2016

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 coloured, it is a little broody to begin, opening slowly to reveal subtle savoury 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 savoury lift. This latent beauty will require a bit more time than most 2016's, but it promises to over-deliver to those prepared to wait.