Wine Spectator 90 / 100 byJames Molesworththe2/10/2017 Sleek, with damson plum and cassis notes that glide through, inlaid with a floral edge and backed by light savory and iron hints on the focused finish. Shows lovely purity and freshness. Drink now through 2022. 4,000 cases made.
Vinous 90 / 100 byAntonio Gallonithe2/6/2017 The 2014 Joanin Bécot is dark, fleshy and seductive. Sweet red cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and tobacco all infuse this succulent, pliant Côtes de Castillon. The 2014 has become quite refined over the last 18 months, and today, it is super-expressive. The blend is 75 % Merlot and 25 % Cabernet Franc, aged in 60 % new French oak. Jean-Philippe Fort is the consulting winemaker. Tasted two times.
Le Point 14 / 20 byJacques Dupontthe5/21/2015 Fruits noirs, épices, cuir, bouche ronde, souple, moelleuse, épicée, réglisse, un peu épais, gentiment rustique, vin d’argile.
Vinous 89-91 / 100 byAntonio Gallonithe5/11/2015 A big, powerful wine, the Joanin Bécot offers tons of depth to match its explosive personality. Mocha, dark fruit, smoke and new leather all flesh out in the glass. The style is decidedly rich and intense, yet all the elements are very nicely balanced. I expect the 2014 will be at its best with a few years in bottle, which should allow the tannins to soften a touch. The blend is 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, aged in 60% new French oak. Jean-Philippe Fort is the Consulting Winemaker. Tasted two times.
The Wine Cellar Insider 88-90 / 100 byJeff Levethe5/5/2015 Ripe, soft, round and packed with licorice, ripe, black cherries and cocoa, this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc is going to show well early. 88-90 Pts
Wine Advocate 89-91 / 100 byNeal Martinthe4/30/2015 The Joanin Bécot 2014, often one of the top performing Côte de Castillon crus, is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc cropped at 30 hectoliter per hectare. Being raised in 60% new wood, it has a very ripe and opulent bouquet, perhaps just a little high-toned in the context of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy black fruit, nicely integrated oak with a structured, masculine, tertiary finish that is persistence in the mouth. This is a modern style Bordeaux but one that is cleverly and thoughtfully executed.
Asian Palate 85 / 100 byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2015 Soft, supple red with good intensity - fresh herbs, plum, blackberry. A polished, well-made wine that should drink well within the first 3 to 7 years of its life.
Decanter.com 16,5 / 20 byJames Lawther MWthe4/17/2015 Nose restrained. Rich extract. Palate smooth and textured. Tight-knit tannins. Length on the finish. Drink: 2018-2024 (88)
Jamessuckling.com 90-91 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe4/10/2015 A dense and rich wine with licorice, asphalt and currants. Full, firm and structured. Chewy.
Wine Spectator 87-90 / 100 byJames Molesworththe3/31/2015 A firm, toasted style, with a ganache edge holding sway over the plum and blueberry notes. Features a smoky finish, but this shows solid flesh in the end, andshould soak up the élevage.