2021 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, St Emilion, Bordeaux

Merlot 85%, Cabernet Franc 13%, Cabernet Sauvignon 2%

Mildew was a challenge for Juliette Bécot and husband Julien, but their core vineyard team lives on-site so could manage it with constant supervision. The harvest lasted nearly a month, the team waiting for each plot to ripen perfectly. The winemaking leans towards non-intervention; the wine is aged in amphorae (20%) and barriques. It always seems to have a free-flowing style, understated yet building to a loose-limbed intensity. Wonderfully nuanced floral rose notes are underpinned by a cool iodine minerality. This is composed and elegant with a finish that grows in expression. Drink 2026-2042.

Our score: 17.5/20

Berry Bros. & Rudd, April 2022