2018 Chateau Joanin Becot

Other Reviews....
The 2018 Joanin Becot is blended of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, with the Merlot harvested September 24-27 and the Cabernet Franc picked on October 11. Yields were 46 hectoliters per hectare, and aging is set to occur in 50% new barriques, 25% in vats, 15% in amphorae and 10% in one-year-old barrels. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with opulent, open-knit scents of exotic spices—star anise, fenugreek and cumin seed—over a core of plum preserves, baked cherries and blueberry compote with touches of bouquet garni, tilled soil and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers loads of rich, plushly textured black and blue fruit with an array of spicy sparks and a long finish.
90-92+ points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate

A fresh and pure style, with a gentle kiss of tobacco leaf sitting atop black cherry and dark plum purée flavors. A dash of cedar holds the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2023. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 4,750 cases made.
88 points
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

A very pretty, subtle red with berry, meat and chocolate aromas that follow through to a medium body with round, creamy tannins and a delicious finish. 30% amphora. Very fine and drinkable now.
92 points
James Suckling

Emerging from the team of Beau-Séjour Bécot, the 2018 Château Joanin Bécot is based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc coming from the limestone soils of the Côtes de Castillon region. Lots of black cherry and redcurrant fruit as well as leafy herbs, dried flowers, chalky minerality, and camphor emerge on the nose. This carries to a medium-bodied, seamless 2018 with terrific overall balance, ripe yet present tannins, and outstanding length on the finish. Tasting like a topflight Saint-Emilion, it will benefit from a year or so in the cellar and impress for at least a decade. Readers looking for a brilliant Right Bank wine to put in the cellar should jump on this beauty.
93 points
Jeb Dunnuck

The 2018 Joanin Bécot is a very pretty wine marked by strong Cabernet Franc aromatics. Crushed red berry, mint, raspberry, sage and dried flowers all grace a mid-weight, silky Côtes de Castillon that is more about savory nuance than power. Drink it over the next decade or so.
90 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous