Wines Haut-Médoc Château Beaumont - The Wine Society 150th Anniversary Generation Series #1

Viniou Reviews

Château Beaumont’s special cuvée for The Wine Society’s 150th Anniversary Generation Series 1 is an ode to the classic style of Haut-Médoc reds. Although this wine is non-vintage, it is crafted from a careful blend of several recent years, showcasing the château’s ability to select base wines to yield balance and complexity. The blend is typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and perhaps a touch of Petit Verdot, offering a faithful expression of the Left Bank's character. The wine is aged in oak barrels, some new, which imbues it with gentle toasty notes that frame its vibrant blackcurrant, plum, and subtle tobacco aromas. On the palate, you can expect firm, ripe tannins and a freshness characteristic of Haut-Médoc, with an elegant structure and a long, dry finish.

The Haut-Médoc subregion of Bordeaux lies to the north and west of the city itself, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary. This position greatly influences its maritime climate, ensuring moderate temperatures and helping vines avoid extremes of heat or frost. The soils are predominantly composed of gravel atop layers of sand and clay, ideal for the slow, even ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon and its companions. Haut-Médoc’s winemaking traditions date back centuries, and its reputation stems from its ability to produce wines of complexity, age-worthiness, and depth.

To accompany this classic Bordeaux, consider traditional fare such as roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, or magret de canard. Its style is also well suited to firm cheeses like aged Comté, or a simple steak-frites. Mushroom-based dishes will echo the wine’s earthy undertones, while a cassoulet or confit de canard brings out its savoury depth and structure.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decant for an hour if possible, to allow the wine to open and reveal its full aromatic potential. Enjoy it over the next few years, but it remains robust enough to age gracefully in your cellar.