93 pts - Wine Advocate
The finest Beychevelle since the 2003 and probably since the 1982, Beychevelle’s 2009 is opaque purple in color, with a beautiful, floral nose intermixed with black currant fruit, licorice, cedar wood and Christmas fruitcake. Full-bodied yet still elegant and pure, this wine has velvety tannins, a broad, savory mouthfeel, and a very long finish. There is plenty of tannin behind the extravagant fruit, glycerin and texture of this wine, but it is largely concealed. This wine could actually turn out to be even better than my relatively conservative tasting note. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2042. - WA, RP (2/2012)
91 pts - Vinous
Bright ruby. Aromas of dark berries, licorice, bitter chocolate and menthol, with a hint of leather. Densely packed, pliant and glossy, with strong acidity and an herbal element buffering the wine's sweetness. The lightly herbal quality carries through on the long finish, which features dusty tannins and noteworthy energy. A very strong vintage for this property.- Stephen Tanzer (07/2012)