Located on a low-altitude plateau, the AOC Saint-Julien vineyard adjoins the town of Cussac. Most of the land benefits from a soil similar to that of Latour, made up of large gravel with drainage favored by numerous canals. The castle was built in 1565 by Bishop François de Foix-Candale. His niece, who inherited it, married Jean Louis de Nogaret de la Valette, first duke of Épernon, grand admiral of France and governor of Guyenne, close to King Henri III. The power and the fame of the duke were such that the boats which passed in front of the field had to lower the sails as a sign of allegiance ("lower the sail" in patois), hence the name Beychevelle. A new castle was built in the middle of the 18th century by the Marquis de Brassier, Baron de Beychevelle. The property was classified fourth grand cru in 1855. Several owners have succeeded each other until today: the Japanese Suntory and the Castel group are now co-shareholders of GMF (Grands vintages de France), which owns among others the Beychevelle castle. The vineyard covers 90 hectares within an area of 250 hectares and the grape varieties are made up of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, completed by 31% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It is carried out in reasoned agriculture. Château Beychevelle produces fine and balanced wines, rich in tannins and whose aromas of fruit and spices are of charming finesse. With good structure, these wines are suitable for long aging. Many amateurs, French and foreign, are looking for old vintages, which are particularly successful. As for recent years, they have been acclaimed by a worldwide clientele, particularly Asian.
PRIMEURS 2014 - AVAILABLE 1ST QUARTER 2017