Close to an even split of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with 8% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Château Beaumont sports a deep purple color as well as impressive notes of blackcurrants, smoke tobacco and graphite. It's rich, nicely concentrated, has present, ripe tannin, plenty of depth, and a great finish.

The 2018 Beaumont suffered mildew and then drought, and yields were consequently reduced to 33hl/ha. It was showing a lot of oak on the nose when I tasted it, perhaps dominating the fruit too much at this stage. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that create a smooth texture. This is matured in around 30% new oak; I wonder if less might have been better. I would like to see more of the wine once in bottle.