Amiral de Beychevelle - Saint-Julien 2020

Vinous

89 / 100

byNeal Martinthe2/15/2023

The 2020 Amiral de Beychevelle, bottled at the end of March 2022, had a Margaux-like bouquet out of barrel, but in bottle, it seems to revert to Saint-Julien with black fruit, tobacco, tea leaves and bay leaf. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit. It's gained a bit of weight during its élevage while retaining freshness and sapidity on the finish. This has meliorated and deserves higher than my banded primeur score.

Vinous

87 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/12/2022

The 2020 Amiral de Beychevelle has a fragrant bouquet of blackberry, cedar and touches of thyme, all nicely defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, modest depth and a little chewiness on the finish.

Jeb DUNNUCK

91-93 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/28/2021

The second wine of this terrific estate, which has been playing with the stars of the appellation for several years now, the 2020 Amiral De Beychevelle checks in as 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. It gives up a rich, juicy nose of ripe red and blue fruits, spring flowers, Christmas spice, and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, it's nicely textured, has velvety tannins, good mid-palate depth, and a great finish. I don't think it's one of the top second wines out there, but it's still certainly an outstanding wine I'd be happy to have on the table.

Vinous

86-88 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/27/2021

The 2020 Amiral de Beychevelle, matured in 40% new oak, is quite showy on the nose of upfront black and blue fruit, and quite floral in a Margaux-like way. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly herbal opening, tea leaf and graphite infusing the black fruit. The finish is straightforward but balanced, and there’s a very slight green note on the aftertaste.

Decanter.com

91 / 100

byJane Ansonthe5/25/2021

Clearly more intensity and tannic power than the Brulieres, there is a violet edging to the damson colour. The tannins are pretty big, as I am finding in so many second wines in this vintage, as estates make the choice to ensure the first wines have a more sleek and elegant feel, but once you give it time in the glass, the blackberry and loganberry fruit softens.

The Wine Cellar Insider

88-90 / 100

byJeff Levethe5/21/2021

On the fruity side, the wine is loaded with currants, cherries, cranberries and touches of flowers with tobacco. The wine is medium-bodied, soft, forward, refined, fresh and with a touch of dust in the finish. The wine is already approachable. Drink this while waiting for the Grand Vin to mature. 88-90

Anthocyanes

89-91 / 100

byYohan Castaingthe5/11/2021

Nez frais et gourmand avec des notes de mure, de bourgeon de cassis, une pointe variétale et des arômes d'épices. Bouche juteuse, légèrement amère avec des tanins fermes, bien construits et structurants. Même si cela serre un peu en finale, l'ensemble reste frais et équilibré. Pointe fumée sur la fin. Pour dans 5 à 10 ans.

Jamessuckling.com

90-91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe5/4/2021

Aromas and flavors of currants and ash with some tobacco. It’s medium-bodied with round tannins and a savory finish. Second wine of Beychevelle.

Tastingbook.com

-92 /

byMarkus Del Monegothe4/14/2021

Dark purple colour with violet hue and black core. Refined nose with aroma reminiscent of violets, liquorice and elderberries, blackberries and blackcurrants, sublet oak. On the palate very appealing, liquorice, violets and blackberries, mild spices and hints of vanilla. Well balanced with freshness and very good length. A very seductive wine.