Wines Saint-Julien Château Beychevelle - 2000

Viniou Reviews

Château Beychevelle 2000 is a magnificent example of a Saint-Julien from Bordeaux’s Left Bank, embodying the renowned elegance and balance typical of this appellation. A blend predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot in supporting roles, the 2000 vintage is especially celebrated for its impeccable structure and ageing potential, benefitting from an exceptional growing season that brought ideal ripeness to the grapes. The vinification at Château Beychevelle combines traditional methods with modern precision, followed by maturation in French oak barrels, imparting finesse and subtle complexity. By now, the wine reveals a deep garnet colour and a bouquet that harmonises blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and subtle earthy undertones, with a palate that is supple yet powerful, offering fine-grained tannins and a lingering, sophisticated finish.

The Saint-Julien appellation sits between Pauillac and Margaux in the Médoc, and is prized for producing wines that bridge the structure of Pauillac and the charm of Margaux. The region’s gravelly soils, deposited centuries ago by the river Garonne, provide excellent drainage and are particularly well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, which forms the backbone of most blends. The proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates the climate, lessening the risk of frost and promoting slow and even ripening. Saint-Julien boasts a long history of viticulture, with estates such as Beychevelle dating back hundreds of years, contributing significantly to Bordeaux’s reputation for world-class red wines.

For food pairings, Château Beychevelle 2000 is a superb companion to classic French cuisine. Roast lamb, preferably with herbes de Provence, highlights the wine’s savoury character, as do beef Wellington or tournedos Rossini. Local dishes such as entrecôte à la bordelaise, served with shallots and a red wine sauce, deepen its connection to the terroir. It also matches beautifully with game, mushroom-based dishes, or aged hard cheeses like Comté or Cantal.

To fully appreciate the nuances of this matured Saint-Julien, decant the wine about an hour before serving to let it realise its full aromatic spectrum. The ideal serving temperature is 17-18°C. This will showcase its balance, matured tannins, and complex, layered bouquet, making for a memorable tasting experience.