Domaine de Beauséjour: Tasting and Drinking
In its salad days the vineyard of Domaine de Beauséjour produced over 100,000 bottles per annum, but during the decline that came at the end of Gérard Chauveau’s reign, productivity dropped like a stone, and that figure fell to just 9,000 bottles per annum.
Old vintages of Domaine de Beauséjour have their fans, although I think you have to go back a couple of decades before the sale in order to tap into the ‘good times’ here. Certainly my experiences with the wines of this estate during the early years of the 21st century, admittedly limited, were universally underwhelming.
The scene is set for a revitalisation though; the terroir is good and now more clearly understood than ever before; the vineyards have moved to organic viticulture; the team has been refreshed, but with a sensitive transition, key members of the old team including David Chauveau himself staying on for a few years to help; the cellars have been expanded and re-equipped. All the pieces are in place; we just need to see what the outcome will be.
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