Dark but racy, with chocolate-covered raspberry and blackberry fruit carried by graphite and toasty cinnamon, black tea and anise flavors. Firms up on the finish, with a lovely note of singed apple wood that should meld nicely after cellaring.

Aromas of blueberries and minerals with hints of dried flowers. Full body, with chewy tannins and a bright finish. Structured on the finish and should open up nicely with age. Fresh.

The 2009 Beau-Sejour Becot was picked between 2 and 14 October. Like many 2009s it has an extravagant bouquet with red berry fruit, damson jam, hints of wild honey and creme de cassis. The oak is nicely integrated but it is the growing season that is doing the talking. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and a fine bead of acidity. Perhaps somewhat predictably it feels quite plush in the mouth but it retains admirable freshness and there is great backbone towards the ambitious finish. It pulls everything back from the brink when anything more might have tipped this 2009 into being ostentatious" or "flash". Superb."

My favorite Beau-Sejour-Becot to date, this sumptuous, dense blue/purple-hued 2009 reveals a blockbuster nose of blueberry pie, black fruits, licorice, forest floor, spring flowers and a hint of mocha. A blend of 70% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon made from tiny yields of 27 hectoliters per hectare, this big, inky, powerful, tannic wine is sensationally concentrated. With an unctuous texture, full-bodied power and tremendous levels of tannin (largely concealed behind a cascade of rich fruit), this is a fabulous effort from a beautifully situated St.-Emilion premier grand cru classe.

Minty new wood aromas on a wine that shows both great tannins and sweet wood. The fruit is still to show, but promises fresh plum flavors that will be delicious and juicy. This is a ripe, concentrated wine.