Château BEAUSÉJOUR BÉCOT - Petit Bécot - Magnum 2018
Just a few steps from the village of Saint-Émilion, Château Beau-Séjour Bécot stretches across the limestone plateau of Saint-Martin de Mazerat, one of the historic sectors of the appellation. The estate has been in the hands of the Bécot family since 1969, and several generations have contributed to gradually refining its identity. The vineyard mainly rests on clay-limestone soils that give the wines depth, freshness, and the ability to evolve harmoniously in the bottle. Petit Bécot is the estate's second wine and benefits from the same viticultural environment as the grand vin, with a selection aimed at a more accessible expression in its youth. Merlot naturally holds a dominant place, accompanied by Cabernet Franc and a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. This complementarity allows for a combination of roundness, aromatic relief, and structure. The magnum format further enhances the interest of the 2018 vintage by promoting slower and more regular maturation.
Petit Bécot 2018 blends 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. The natural generosity of Merlot provides a supple and fleshy body, while Cabernet Franc helps preserve freshness, finesse, and floral expression. Cabernet Sauvignon complements with an additional touch of structure and length. The 2018 vintage, marked in Bordeaux by a hot and dry summer following a wet spring, allowed for the harvest of rich and fully ripe grapes on the great terroirs of Saint-Émilion. The vinification here seeks more balance and fruit brightness than massive extraction. The limestone nature of the terroir plays an essential role in maintaining tension within a generous body. After several years in the bottle, the wine now enters a particularly interesting phase, while its magnum packaging still leaves it a good margin for evolution.
The color retains a deep garnet hue with ruby reflections. The nose develops aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and plum, to which nuances of violet, licorice, and spices gradually add. With aeration, the bouquet gains depth with notes of cocoa, fine tobacco, and emerging undergrowth. The palate is ample yet fluid, with already well-integrated tannins and freshness that balances the ripeness of the fruit. Merlot dominates with its velvety touch, while the Cabernets extend the tasting on a straighter and slightly spicy framework. The finish maintains a beautiful persistence on black fruits and mineral nuances. This magnum will pair particularly well with a rack of lamb, duck breast, veal chop with mushrooms, roasted pigeon, or a fine piece of beef.
Grape varieties: 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon
