2009 Ch. Beausejour Becot St Emilion Grand Cru Classé 1,5 l

Tasted blind. Slightly oxidised – shame. Lost fruit. Cinnamon notes. (JR)

The 2009 Beau-Séjour Bécot was picked between 2 and 14 October. Like many 2009s it has an extravagant bouquet with red berry fruit, damson jam, hints of wild honey and crème de cassis. The oak is nicely integrated but it is the growing season that is doing the talking. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and a fine bead of acidity. Perhaps somewhat predictably it feels quite plush in the mouth but it retains admirable freshness and there is great backbone towards the ambitious finish. It pulls everything back from the brink when anything more might have tipped this 2009 into being "ostentatious" or "flash". Superb. Tasted at the château.

Some tension and really ripe fruit. Luscious texture. A little exaggerated but not severe. More youthful than most. (JR)