Château Beauregard

Covering 17.5ha, this estate sits at the entrance to Pomerol. Improvements since 2005 were capped with organic certification in 2014 and total estate renovation including new fermentation tanks for parcel-byparcel vineyard selections – just in time for the 2015 vintage. Director Vincent Priou says lower yields add concentration without losing elegance: the 2005 was harvested at 44hl/ha; the 2015 at 31hl/ha. He has increased planting density for some plots to 9,000 vines per hectare. The blend may include up to 40% Cabernet Franc, due to climate change. Certified organic in 2014, Priou has chosen not to indicate that on the label, but he may in the future. Château Beauregard 2015 93 £ 39.25 (ib)-£75 Fine & Rare, Hennings Aromas of liquorice, ripe plum and dark cherry. The palate shows some tertiary notes. While the 2005 is more structured, the 2015 shows more precision and finesse. Drink 2020-2035 Alcohol 13.8%

Château Beauregard 2005 92 £ 31.25-£ 35.16 (ib) Appellations, Crump Richmond Shaw, Fine & Rare Sumptuous, with finessed tannins and a fine balance of alcohol and acidity. A slight bitterness on the finish, but the liquorice, bright plum and violet aspects are pleasant overall. Drink 2018-2028 Alc 13.5%