The 2018 Beau-Séjour Bécot has really closed down since I tasted it en primeur. Inky red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint and blood orange gradually open in the glass, all framed by veins of chalky minerality. The 2018 is a fabulous wine in the making, but readers have to be patient. Time in a decanter or simply in the glass helps to bring out the wine's considerable depth.

The 2018 Beau-Séjour Bécot is fabulous. Dense, rich and explosive, the 2018 has it all. Soaring aromatics and a huge spine of tannin give the 2018 its regal contours. The 2018 was barreled down late, and it is still coming together, especially in its aromatics, but its potential is evident. A wine of tremendous character and personality Beau-Séjour Bécot dazzles in 2018. It is an utterly captivating Saint-Émilion from Juliette Bécot and Julien Barthe, along with their consulting winemaker Thomas Duclos.

The first vintage to be entirely overseen by Juliet Bécot, ann the sculpting of style that she has introduced can be seen here. A mix of amphorae, 20hl Stockinger casks and 225l barrels used for the ageing

The 2018 Beau-Séjour Bécot is nicely detailed on the nose of pixelated black fruit laced with raspberry and subtle floral scents; back notes of marmalade come through with aeration. The pliant palate is medium-bodied with luscious tannins disguising the structure behind this Saint-Émilion. I suspect that it might close up for a period before blossoming with bottle age. This is a sophisticated and very well-crafted wine that will age with style and panache.

The 2018 Beau-Séjour Bécot has a serious bouquet with darker fruit than expected: blackberry, bilberry, then raspberry and crushed strawberry mixed with rose petal and peony scents. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is satin-smooth in texture thanks to the plush, saturated tannins. Layers of red fruit are enmeshed with the oak, whilst the finish fans out gloriously. This is a beautiful Saint-Émilion that should age with style.