Fully mature, the 1982 Beychevelle is drinking beautifully today, exhibiting sweet aromas of plums, minty cassis, licorice and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with an ample core of fruit, melted tannins and an expansive finish, it's a gourmand, demonstrative wine that can likely continue to hold at this level for some time to come in a cold cellar.

I have noticed serious bottle variation with this wine, but recently it has been consistently scoring in the 94-96 point range. Beautifully sweet, slightly herbaceous black currant, licorice, and earthy notes emerge from this nearly opaque, dark ruby/purple-tinged 1982. Compared to the more elegant, feminine-styled wine often produced here, it is a beast. Dense, thick, rich, concentrated, and impressive, it can be drunk now and over the next two decades. Release price: ($130.00/case)