Aspirant is Beychevelle’s entry-level cuve, designed for premium restaurants and by-the-glass programs – a way to drink Saint-Julien from the Fourth Growth without springing for the grand vin. The blend is Merlot-dominant (around 65%), which makes it suppler and more immediately approachable than the chteau wine, but the fruit still comes from Saint-Julien vineyards and the appellation’s signature elegance is clearly stamped on it. 2019 was a strong, ripe vintage on the Left Bank; this is drinking well right now.