Château Beychevelle – The Classical Elegance of Saint-Julien
A Fourth Growth Classified Cru, timeless and noble — where tradition and modernity meet in the heart of the Médoc.
A great name steeped in history
Classified as a Fourth Growth in 1855, Château Beychevelle is a true emblem of Bordeaux refinement. Located in the heart of Saint-Julien, the estate owes its name to the legend of “Baisse-Voile”: in the 17th century, ships sailing down the Gironde lowered their sails in salute to the Duke of Épernon, Admiral of France. Today owned by Grands Millésimes de France (Castel & Suntory), the estate is led by Philippe Blanc, a respected figure of the Médoc. Under his guidance, Beychevelle combines elegance, tradition, and technical innovation.
An exceptional terroir in Saint-Julien
The vineyard covers 90 hectares of deep Garonne gravel over a clay-sandy subsoil. Gentle slopes ensure natural drainage, while the proximity of the estuary regulates the microclimate and allows for slow, even ripening of the grapes. This typical Saint-Julien terroir gives the wines structure, elegant minerality, and harmonious length.
| Vineyard area | 90 ha |
| Grape varieties | 60% Cabernet Sauvignon · 28% Merlot · 8% Cabernet Franc · 4% Petit Verdot |
| Average vine age | 30 years |
Modern and respectful winemaking
Recent investments have given Beychevelle a state-of-the-art gravity-flow cellar, enabling gentle and precise vinification by parcel and variety. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, followed by 18 months of ageing in French oak barrels (50 to 70% new, depending on the vintage). This tailor-made approach combines finesse of extraction with respect for the fruit, producing wines with a velvety texture and vibrant freshness.
Style & signature
- Nose: blackcurrant, blackberry, violet, cedar, blond tobacco.
- Palate: fine tannins, silky texture, beautiful fruit density.
- Finish: straight, elegant, long, and harmonious.
A wine of both charm and depth, classic yet timeless — a pure reflection of Saint-Julien’s identity.
Wines of the estate
Château Beychevelle
The Grand Vin of the estate. A noble and refined expression of Saint-Julien terroir, with remarkable ageing potential. Reference vintages: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2010, 2009.
Amiral de Beychevelle
The second wine, made from younger vines and peripheral plots. Accessible earlier, it charms with its bright fruit and silky texture.
Key figures
| Annual production | ≈ 300,000 bottles |
| Second wine | Amiral de Beychevelle (≈ 198,000 bottles) |
| Vineyard area | 90 ha |
| Grape varieties | 60% Cabernet Sauvignon · 28% Merlot · 8% Cabernet Franc · 4% Petit Verdot |
| Ideal maturity | 8 to 25 years depending on the vintage |
| Great vintages | 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2000, 1982 |