The harvest took place from the 8th to the 29th of September, with a yield of 42 hl/ha. Rain fell in October. Aging lasted 16 months, with two-thirds of the wine matured in new barrels and the remainder in tanks, amphorae, and 20-hl oak tanks. This ratio is extremely important. By limiting the overall use of new wood, the characteristics of the limestone come to the forefront and are not overshadowed by nuances of oak or vanilla.
The growing season for the 2020 Bordeaux followed a pattern similar to that of some of the years before. A wet spring was followed by a dry, hot summer, and finally, warm, dry weather persisted through the harvest period. From December through May, temperatures remained approximately 2°C above the 30-year average for five out of six months, and a 54-day drought persisted from the 18th of June to the 11th of August. Wineries on the Right Bank were affected by the rainfall in August differently than those on the Left Bank, which partly explains why 2020 was an uneven year across the entire Bordeaux region.
This wine is best enjoyed between 2026 and 2045.
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.
