1989 Beychevelle from Chateau Beychevelle, St-Julien, Bordeaux

The pastoral elegance of the 1989 Beychevelle from Chateau Beychevelle speaks volumes about the remarkable terroir of St-Julien. In a vintage year that stood apart for Bordeaux—balancing ripeness with structure—a canvas was laid for wines of monumental promise, and this wine is no exception. Throughout my tenure as a critic, it has been a privilege to witness such vintages emerge with time, unfurling their spectral layers like a tightly wound rose.

A Stalwart Vintage

In St-Julien, the 1989 season unveiled an indubitable classicism, a distinction that carried through to the bottle with grace and poise. The fiercely beloved Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend, known for imparting deep aromatics and an infrastructure built for longevity, found exceptional company with Merlot—the blending here was nothing short of symphonic.

Celebrating Three Decades of Evolution

Now well into its third decade, the 1989 Beychevelle boasts an expansive bouquet. Kissed by time, it exudes seductive notes of black truffle and leather intermixed with tantalising dark fruit and a whisper of cigar box—an ode to its sojourn in French oak barriques. On the palate, one finds a bastion of matured tannins which render each sip smooth and indisputably refined.

A wine that appeals not only to the senses but as an astute addition to one's portfolio, it represents a discerning investment for enthusiasts seeking to expand their holdings of Bordeaux’s time-honoured nectars.

In summation, the 1989 Beychevelle remains one of St-Julien’s enduring triumphs from Chateau Beychevelle. This vintage dovetails a saga of excellence in viniculture with its eloquent articulation of pronounced varietal character. As it continues on its journey—perhaps peering towards the apex of its evolution—it offers both a richly layered drinking experience and venerable potential for continued maturation, promising reward for both palate and cellar alike.