Chateau Joanin Becot Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 2018

Jeb Dunnuck : 93 Points

(3/11/2021) Emerging from the team of Beau-Sejour Becot, the 2018 Chateau Joanin Becot is based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc coming from the limestone soils of the Cotes 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. Maturity: 2021 - 2033.

Decanter : 94 Points

(11/9/2020) Fruit-filled and so easy to like. There are pretty strong tannins here, a little more evident than they were en primeur, with the austerity of limestone coming through, but what a great value wine with a ton of personality. Second vintage with Thomas Duclos as consultant and the first with new technical director Jean de Connick. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2034.

James Suckling : 92 Points

(1/31/2021) 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.

Wine Advocate : 92 Points

(4/13/2023) A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Joanin Becot exhibits delicate aromas of blueberries, flowers and violets with touches of tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, it’s a lively, rather delicate wine with a fleshy core of fruit and a crystalline texture overlaid with a fresh, penetrating finish that has racy acidity. The wine will offer a broad tasting window.