Die Lese fand vom 8. bis zum 29. September statt, bei einem Ertrag von 42 hl/ha. Im Oktober gab es Regenfälle. Der Ausbau dauerte 16 Monate, wobei zwei Drittel des Weins in neuen Fässern und der Rest in Tanks, Amphoren und 20-hl-Eichenfässern reiften. Dieses Verhältnis ist äußerst wichtig. Durch die Begrenzung des Gesamteinsatzes von neuem Holz treten die Eigenschaften des Kalksteins in den Vordergrund und werden nicht von Eichen- oder Vanillenuancen überschattet.
Die Vegetationsperiode für den Bordeaux 2020 verlief ähnlich wie in einigen der vorangegangenen Jahre. Auf einen nassen Frühling folgte ein trockener, heißer Sommer, und schließlich hielt warmes, trockenes Wetter während der gesamten Erntezeit an. Von Dezember bis Mai lagen die Temperaturen in fünf von sechs Monaten etwa 2 °C über dem 30-Jahres-Durchschnitt, und vom 18. Juni bis zum 11. August herrschte eine 54-tägige Dürreperiode. Die Weingüter am rechten Ufer waren von den Regenfällen im August anders betroffen als jene am linken Ufer, was zum Teil erklärt, warum 2020 ein uneinheitliches Jahr in der gesamten Region Bordeaux war.
Dieser Wein lässt sich am besten zwischen 2026 und 2045 genießen.
Robert Parker (95)
A terrific performance for an estate on a continuing upward trajectory, the 2020 Beau-Séjour Bécot unwinds in the glass with a deep bouquet of cherries and blackberries mingled with violets and spices. Medium to full-bodied, pure and layered, it's deep and concentrated, with a vibrant core of fruit, polished tannins and a long, sapid finish. The 2020 is a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, some two-thirds of which was matured in new oak, with the balance in tanks, amphorae and foudres.
James Suckling (97)
This has a fantastic finish with crushed blackberries and raspberries and salt undertones. It’s full-bodied, yet really racy and polished with such fine, intense tannins. Love the length to this. Very distinguished and toned. Excellent energy. 85% merlot, 13% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon.
Jancis Robinson (16.5)
20% whole bunch.
Tasted blind. Deep greyish crimson. Dark with black fruits and a more savoury char. But not over-oaked. Fresh and juicy on the palate, much more vibrant than I had expected and the tannins are fine-boned, adding to the freshness. A bit tart on the finish. Julia Harding MW
Vinous (96)
The 2020 Beauséjour Bécot has a winsome bouquet with precise, focused and mineral-driven red fruit that shimmers with tension. The palate is medium-bodied with seamlessly integrated oak and hints of black pepper and cedar. It fans out toward the finish with supreme confidence. The terroir really comes through in this wine. This is not to be underestimated. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
A brilliant wine that's up with the finest to date from this incredible terroir, the 2020 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot checks in as 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. Revealing a vivid purple hue as well as a drop-dead gorgeous nose of black raspberries, cassis, violets, and a liquid rock-like sense of minerality, it’s medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with ultra-fine tannins and perfect balance. This beauty deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve gracefully over the following two decades or more. Don't miss it.
Falstaff (95)
Fine and complex fragrance; black cherry and chalky limestone notes, alongside coconut, thyme, sage, Darjeeling tea, redcurrant, wild cherry, black pepper. Smooth in the mouth with very ripe fruit, the alcohol does not disturb the silky, juicy impression, well-integrated tannins, fine-nervy acidity; very graceful, ethereal.
