Community Tasting Notes 228

• BellevuePhil Likes this wine: 92 points

  February 16, 2024 - In the annals of oenology, few vintages have achieved the legendary status of the 1982 Château Beychevelle. Born amidst the tumultuous tapestry of the early 1980s, this wine transcends mere viniculture—it is a masterpiece, a symphony of flavors and aromas that dance upon the palate like a lover's whisper. Situated in the heart of the Saint-Julien appellation, Château Beychevelle has long been revered for its commitment to excellence, and the 1982 vintage is a shining example of its prowess.
  
  As I lift the glass to my lips, the wine reveals itself in all its splendor. The deep, garnet hue shimmers in the candlelight, hinting at the riches that lie within. Swirling the wine gently, I am greeted by a bouquet that is nothing short of intoxicating—a melange of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and subtle hints of cedar and spice. Each inhalation is a journey unto itself, a testament to the meticulous care and craftsmanship that went into crafting this masterpiece.
  
  No, its not a mouton, nor a Laffite, but I don't drink just for that. I lift a glass to the memories and it is upon the first sip that the true magic of the 1982 Château Beychevelle is revealed. The wine envelops the palate with a velvety embrace, its tannins soft and supple, like the caress of a lover's hand. Flavors of ripe fruit dance upon the tongue, mingling with notes of vanilla, tobacco, and a hint of leather. It is a symphony of sensations, each more sublime than the last, leaving me utterly enraptured.
  
  As I savor the wine, memories come flooding back—memories of the time I spent in Bordeaux in 1982, of the forbidden romance that unfolded amidst the vineyards of Château Beychevelle. It was a time of passion and rebellion, a Lebanese princes across the river in Labrousse.....ahhhh those stolen moments and whispered promises. I guilt that I lied and told her I would come back later that summer DAMNIT. And though the years have passed, the taste of the wine still lingers on my lips, a bittersweet reminder of a love that was both fleeting and unforgettable just across the river....
  
  But even apart from my mems and the wine's storied history, the 1982 Château Beychevelle stands as a testament to the heights that Bordeaux wine can achieve. It is a wine of unparalleled complexity and depth, with layers of flavor that unfold with each passing moment. From its luscious fruit to its velvety texture, every aspect of the wine is perfectly balanced, a testament to the skill and dedication of those who crafted it.
  
  In conclusion, the 1982 Château Beychevelle is more than just a wine—it is a work of art, a testament to the enduring power of passion and craftsmanship. With each sip, I am reminded of the magic of Bordeaux, of the timeless beauty of its vineyards and the wines they produce. It is a wine that transcends time and place, a true masterpiece that will be cherished for generations to come.
  
  NOTE TO SELF: HOUR DECANT, GLASS BY GLASS. DRINK NOW.

  Comment

• Jake Barnes Likes this wine: 92 points

  February 9, 2024 - From a bottle bought at auction with a base-neck fill and a strong cork that was only soaked three-quarters of the way up. Reportedly a one-owner bottle purchased on release and stored in a subterranean passive cellar. Excellent color—garnet with a solid ruby core. Decanted one hour and followed for an hour.
  
  This displayed a lovely nose of aged red currants Christmas spices, and decaying wood and leaves and had a medium-bodied palate filled with aged black and red fruits. It had excellent grip courtesy of the remaining tannins, which were very soft, and a nice juicy finish thanks to the perfect acidity.
  
  Overall, this was a very good bottle of old Bordeaux, but there was little complexity. By the third glass, it was delivering an experience that would have garnered the bottle a 95/100; however, I realized that it wasn’t the wine that was changing but my taste buds, which were becoming progressively more coated, making the wine seem denser and deeper and more flavorful. A very good bottle, nonetheless. 12.5% ABV (very good/***/16/92)

  1 person found this helpful Comment

• Appleonius Likes this wine:

  January 7, 2024 - PnP. Cork came out clean. Some acidity present that rounded out with air. Light balsamic, tobacco, cherries, leather, green pepper. Still drinking well.

  Comment

• Claret & CdP Gang Likes this wine:

  August 3, 2023 - 1982 Bordeaux theme, Flight 1 with Montrose & GPL, classic mature Bordeaux, offering lots pleasure, soft fine tannins

  1 person found this helpful Comment

• soyhead wrote:

  July 16, 2023 - tasted blind - tobacco, cigar, mostly tertiary flavors though with hints of fruit. guessed an early 80s left bank bdx.

  1 person found this helpful Comment

Pro Reviews 8

Wine Definition

• Vintage 1982
• Type Red
• Producer Château Beychevelle
• Varietal Red Bordeaux Blend
• Designation n/a
• Vineyard n/a
• Country France
• Region Bordeaux
• SubRegion Médoc
• Appellation St. Julien
• UPC Codes 088156021667, 099999160277, 3258690071931, 3700397111316

Community Holdings

• Pending Delivery 13 (0%)
• In Cellars 1,997 (64%)
• Consumed 1,116 (36%)

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