Beau-Séjour Bécot St-Emilion 2016

95 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2016 Beauséjour Bécot has a sensual bouquet of pure red cherries and crushed strawberry laced with cedar and light graphite scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and well-judged acidity. The finish is harmonious and somehow just effortless. This actually reminds me of its neighbor, Château Canon. Could the 2016 represent the best Beauséjour Bécot ever made? Quite possibly. Drink: 2022-2050. (Jan 2019)"

95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Showing spectacularly well on the two occasions I was able to taste it, the 2016 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot is a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 16 months in 90% new oak, and hitting a healthy 14.5% natural alcohol. This straight-up classy, seamless, ultra-fine Saint Emilion offers a beautiful bouquet of red currants, white truffles, spice, and flowers. With brilliant limestone character, fabulous intensity on both the nose and palate, ultra-fine tannins, and a magical texture, it’s approachable today yet has another 20+ years of prime drinking. Drink: 2019-2039. (Feb 2019)"

95 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Beau-Sejour Becot (80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) is just a little closed to begin, opening out to reveal beautiful chocolate-covered cherries, preserved plums and black raspberries scents with touches of stewed tea, tobacco, red roses and cinnamon stick. Full-bodied and jam-packed with perfumed fruit layers, it has a rock-solid frame of ripe, finely grained tannins and layer upon layer of provocative black fruit and savory layers on the finish. Drink: 2020-2037. (Nov 2018)"

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$130 list] This wine has a smoky quality, with ripe tannins and dense blackberry and spice flavors as well as wonderful freshness. The wine has considerable potential, rich in tannins and acidity. It will be ready to drink from 2025. (May 2019)"

95 points International Wine Report: "The 2016 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot is a brilliant release from this estate located on the Saint-Martin de Mazerat limestone plateau in Saint-Êmilion. This blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon start off with inviting aromas of blackberries and dark cherries along with tar, dried tobacco, graphite and a touch of sweet spices all coming together marvelously in the glass. On the palate this is full-bodied with beautifully polished tannins that provide excellent structure. It shows plenty of character from start to finish. This is a stunning young wine from the Bécot family which has the potential to evolve and become even more compelling with time. Drink: 2023-2043. (Jan 2019)"

95 points Jamess Suckling: "Extremely aromatic and lifted on the nose with wild fruit and flowers, as well as chalk and mushroom undertones. Full body and ultra-fine tannins with beautiful grace and balance. Shows structure yet refinement at the same time. Needs four to five years to come completely together, but already so beautiful. Drink after 2023. (Jan 2019)"

94 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "Right on the limestone plateau, this has a lovely delivery of extremely ripe black fruits dotted through with minerality and little pulses of electricity. Extremely successful, this will age well thanks to elongated tannins that are chalky in all the right places. Again, we have this slight austerity on the finish, a reminder than 2016 is not the right bank party we saw in 2015, but this is excellent with such a beautiful balance. Drinking Window: 2027-2050. (Apr 2017)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "This is a very fresh and unencumbered style, with a beam of pure blackberry and raspberry fruit racing through, carried by polished structure and infused with alluring black tea and incense tones. The finish is velvety, though there are graphite and tobacco notes buried within. Best from 2022 through 2036. (3/31/19)"

94 points Falstaff Guide: "Deep dark ruby, firm core, purple reflections, slight brightening on the rim. Ripe plums, black cherries, a chocolaty touch, subtle hints of spices and noble oak nuances. Juicy, round and elegant, fresh, structured, well integrated tannins, lingering, pronounced fruit on the finish, good ageing potential. (May 2017)"