matthewjukes.com
par Matthew Jukes le 02/08/2022
Following the tremendous success of the 2020 vintage, I was excited to taste 2021 Beauséjour and tour the Château for the first time with owner Joséphine Duffau-Lagarrosse at the helm. Having seen first-hand the chalk cellars under the winery and therefore gaining a perfect perspective on the stunning vineyard and the soils in which her vines are planted, it was not a shock to hear her response to my parting question. I asked what was she most proud of in the 2021 vintage, and she replied, “I love this vintage and the chalky freshness on the finish”. This is a more energetic, lively, and expressive wine than I could have imagined. The authenticity, accuracy, and direct representation of its unique setting, looking down on Angélus and Le Dôme, among others, is truly outstanding. The phenomenal limestone plateau over which Château Beauséjour hovers cannot make anything other than a unique wine, but the thrilling perfume of violet, cherry and plum is as invigorating as it is delicious. The palate is pristine and carefully tuned for maximum tenderness, and the finish is fine-grained and savoury. This wine might win the prize for aromatic transcendence and Merlot textural delicacy because there are few wines that compare to the mesmerising bouquet and silkiness found here. The palate is supple, balletic and minutes long, and then, right at the end of the experience, the tannins arrive - energetic, mouth-watering and ravishingly scouring. What a wine. 18.5