2006 Chateau Beychevelle Saint Julien (6 liter bottle)

62% Cabernet Sauvignon; 31% Merlot; 5% Cabernet Franc; 2% Petit Verdot. If a bit shy on overt fruitiness, this solid young wine comes with a good sense of essential extract and teases with glimmers of black fruits, olive and loamy earth elements in both its concentrated aromas and flavors. It toughens up at the finish as befits a young claret, but its fruit holds on and convinces that a wait of five years is worthwhile.

Bright, deep red. Musky currant, licorice, tobacco, cedar and herbs on the nose and palate. Juicy and on the lean side but with very good focus and cut to its flavors. Characterized more by its vinosity and elegance than by body or power. The moderately long finish features firm tannins that avoid coming off as hard.