Amiral de Beychevelle 2022

Amiral de Beychevelle: The Energetic Heart of Saint-Julien

Discover Amiral de Beychevelle, the captivating second wine of the esteemed Château Beychevelle, available at The General Wine. This exceptional Médoc red, with its vibrant character and approachable charm, offers a remarkable expression of Saint-Julien's celebrated terroir, allowing for earlier enjoyment while hinting at the pedigree of its famous elder.

Château Beychevelle: A Legacy of Maritime Elegance

Amiral de Beychevelle is crafted by Château Beychevelle, one of Bordeaux's most prestigious classified growths, situated in the renowned Saint-Julien appellation. The history of Beychevelle stretches back centuries, with its distinctive pagoda-adorned château dominating the landscape. Legend has it that ships passing by the estate would lower their sails as a mark of respect to the Duc d'Épernon, a former owner, earning the estate the name "Beychevelle," meaning "lower the sails." This maritime heritage is woven into the very fabric of the estate, influencing its character and the journey of its wines across the globe.

Château Beychevelle is celebrated for producing wines of elegance, finesse, and remarkable ageing potential. Amiral de Beychevelle, as its second wine, benefits from the same meticulous care in the vineyards and precise winemaking techniques employed for the Grand Vin. While sharing an undeniable connection to the Château Beychevelle, Amiral de Beychevelle asserts its own distinct personality, designed to be more vibrant and expressive in its youth.

Our Terroir: The Gravelly Soul of Saint-Julien

The vineyards from which Amiral de Beychevelle is primarily sourced are dedicated to its production, contributing significantly to its unique identity. These vines, with an average age of 35 years, are rooted in the classic Médoc gravelly soils. These well-drained gravels are instrumental in shaping the wine's character, encouraging the vines to delve deep for nutrients and resulting in grapes of concentrated flavour.

The composition of the vineyard is predominantly the two traditional Médoc grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The gravelly nature of the soil imparts an airy, fresh bouquet to the wine, contributing to its graceful aromatic profile. This unique terroir allows Amiral de Beychevelle to be enjoyed at a younger age than the powerful Grand Vin, Château Beychevelle, without compromising on depth or complexity. The blend for this vintage is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, a classic Saint-Julien proportion that balances structure with approachability.

Winemaking: Precision and Respect for the Land

The winemaking at Château Beychevelle, applied to Amiral de Beychevelle, is a testament to precision and a deep respect for the terroir. Vinification is tailor-made and adapted to each individual parcel of vines, taking into account the nuances of the vintage. This meticulous approach ensures that the unique identity of each plot is preserved and expressed in the final wine. The primary objective is to "transcend our terroirs," aiming to produce exceptional wines while honouring and respecting their inherent characteristics. This dedicated craftsmanship ensures that Amiral de Beychevelle embodies the vibrant fruit and elegant structure for which Saint-Julien wines are renowned.

Our Impressions: A Velvety and Energetic Expression

Amiral de Beychevelle displays a dense and brilliant colour, typically a deep ruby or garnet, captivating the eye.

On the nose, the wine presents an immediate freshness, which beautifully highlights its pure fruity character. Notes of ripe red fruits, such as cherry and plum, are prominent, often accompanied by darker berry fruits like blackcurrant. As the aromas evolve, subtle complexities of cedar, tobacco, and a hint of spice may emerge, echoing its time in oak. The bouquet is inviting and generous, hinting at the delightful experience to come.

The palate confirms the wine's engaging nature. It is described as a "greedy wine," meaning it offers a generous and appealing fruit profile. The texture is notably velvety, coating the mouth with a smooth sensation. Despite its softness, Amiral de Beychevelle is also energetic and expressive, perhaps "more tumultuous, more showy" than its elder, offering a lively and dynamic tasting experience. The tannins are "coated" – meaning they are present and provide structure, but they are fine-grained and well-integrated, contributing to the wine's smooth mouthfeel rather than astringency. There is a deep tannic structure that promises potential for graceful development. The fruit notes continue to dominate, with juicy red and dark berries leading the way. The finish is velvety and persistent, leaving a lasting impression of elegant fruit and refined structure.

Serving Suggestions and Food Matches

To fully appreciate the vibrant character of Amiral de Beychevelle, serve it at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C. While designed for earlier enjoyment, decanting for at least an hour before serving will allow the wine to open up and express its full aromatic and flavour potential.

Amiral de Beychevelle, with its elegant structure and ripe fruit, is a superb companion to a variety of classic British and European dishes.

• Roasted Red Meats: It is an excellent match for roasted lamb or beef, particularly a traditional Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Its tannins and fruit will harmonise beautifully with the richness of the meat.
• Game: Consider pairing it with game birds like roasted pheasant or guinea fowl, or even a classic venison steak with a berry reduction.
• Hard Cheeses: For a delightful cheese pairing, Amiral de Beychevelle finds a superb complement in a mature, nutty Gruyère or a firm, aged Montgomery Cheddar. The complex savoury notes of the cheese will intermingle beautifully with the wine's ripe fruit and subtle oak influences, creating a harmonious and satisfying experience. The cheese's texture will also provide a pleasing contrast to the wine's velvety feel.
• Savoury Pies and Casseroles: Its structure makes it a great partner for substantial dishes such as a rich beef and mushroom pie, a classic steak and kidney pudding, or a hearty shepherd's pie with a rich gravy.
• Duck: Roasted duck breast with a cherry or plum sauce would also make for a magnificent pairing, echoing the wine's own fruit notes.

Amiral de Beychevelle offers an opportunity to experience the elegance and distinct character of Saint-Julien from a highly respected estate. Its freshness and fruit-forward nature make it approachable now, while its underlying structure promises delightful evolution over the next few years. Discover this captivating Médoc wine at The General Wine.