Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe - Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 1986 (6x75cl)

Beau-Séjour Bécot is a Premier Grand Cru Classé B estate located to the west of Saint-Émilion, renowned for showcasing its exceptional terroir. Its limestone soils, similar to those found at Château Ausone, contribute to the quality of its wines. The estate has experienced a tumultuous history, having lost and later regained its Premier Grand Cru status. Today, it stands as one of the top Grand Cru Classé properties, with only Château Pavie having a larger vineyard area in this part of Saint-Émilion.

Owned by the Bécot family since 1969, the estate was previously known as Château Beauséjour-Fagouet. The vineyards were originally part of a larger estate, which was divided in the 18th century. The Bécots also produce a highly sought-after garage wine, La Gomerie.

The 1986 vintage of Beau-Séjour Bécot is a prime example of the estate’s mastery in Bordeaux winemaking. In the glass, it shows a deep ruby hue, hinting at its complexity. Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cherry are complemented by notes of tobacco, cedar, and subtle earthiness. On the palate, the wine balances rich fruit flavours like plum, cassis, and black cherry, with secondary hints of dark chocolate and baking spices. The tannins are beautifully integrated, providing a smooth, velvety texture and a long, lingering finish.

This vintage highlights the aging potential of Bordeaux wines, having matured gracefully over the years. It’s a perfect representation of the estate’s dedication to crafting high-quality wines, making it a must-try for both seasoned wine lovers and newcomers alike.

Beau-Séjour Bécot’s vineyard spans 18.5 hectares, with 16.52 hectares planted primarily with Merlot (70%), along with Cabernet Franc (24%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (6%). The vines, averaging 40 years old, are planted on chalky soils rich in fossilized starfish. Harvesting is done by hand, and the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in 80-100% new barrels, followed by 16 to 18 months of aging in the cellar at a constant 16°C. The estate produces around 60,000 bottles annually.

With similar weather conditions to its famous 1982 predecessor, the 1986 vintage on the Right Bank produced concentrated wines which enjoyed excellent ageing potential, and this vintage of Château Beau-Séjour Bécot is testimony of that exceptional year. 

SPECIFICATIONS

STYLE: Red

GRAPE VARIETY: 75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 13%

COUNTRY: France

REGION: Bordeaux

APPELLATION: Saint-Emilion

PRODUCER: Becot Family