Amiral de Beychevelle 2023 Saint Julien《ZTF1104D》

Region : Saint Julien

Grapes : 49% Cabernet sauvignon，51% Merlot

Alcohol :  13.5% vol

Website: https://beychevelle.com/

🏅Vinous 93 pts

🏅Wine Advocate 89-91 pts

🏅Decanter 92 pts

The men of Beychevelle have always ruled their land nobly and brought glory to the château.

Ever since its construction in 1565 by Bishop François of Foix-Candale, the reign of the Dukes of Epernon (of which the great admiral, Jean-Louis Nogaret de la Valette was the first), its rebuilding in 1757 by the Marquis de Brassier and subsequent enlargement by the Heine family, followed by the Achille-Fould family until 1986, the château has never ceased to amaze visitors, both in terms of its vineyard and the exceptional setting.

Beychevelle’s reputation and extraordinary beauty would not be what they are today without the help of remarkable women, such as Marie-Amélie Kohn, Madame Guestier and Madame Heine, Marie-Louise Fould and Lillette (Elisabeth de Foucaud) who have marked its history, developing its decorative style, its aura of hospitality and its beautiful gardens.

Today, Château Beychevelle belongs to Grands Millésimes de France, which is part of the Castel and Suntory groups, represented by M. Nobuhiro TORII.

The vines have an average age of 30 years and are closely planted, with densities of 8,300 to 10,000 vines per hectare; they have developed substantial root systems, enabling them to draw nutrients from deep in the soil, and to cope with the sometimes difficult weather conditions, such as when there are droughts in the summer.

The vineyard is planted with the Médoc’s four traditional grape varieties: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.

Our job is to select the right grape variety for each plot, depending on the terroir’s characteristics and constraints. Manual harvests allow us to sort and retain the best grapes, which are then vinified and blended in our wines.

The word Terroir only makes sense if one understands the way in which the Médoc’s climate, or microclimate, interacts with the vineyard. Even then, the picture is not complete unless we add the winemaker’s talent for growing the grapes and looking after each plot of vines.

The proximity of the Gironde, which can be seen from the front steps of the Château, has a protective, regulating affect on the climate that is vital for the production of exceptional wines.

The heart of the vineyard is located on two plateaus of deep Garonne gravel from the Gunzian period, on the edge of the Gironde, providing ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon.

These are the famous gravelly hilltops of the Médoc, close to the Gironde, which offer the best conditions for the classic Bordeaux varietals.

Returning the sun’s warmth during the night, and draining away excess rain water, the vines are able to flourish and the grapes ripen perfectly. The resulting deep red wines are well-balanced and generous, offering power tempered by a silky texture.

Château Beychevelle has always been careful to preserve its environment and its terroir. This commitment is given concrete form on a daily basis through our ISO 14001 certification and a sustainable agriculture approach, with part of the vineyard managed organically.

Château Beychevelle’s new winery has been custom-made to suit the vineyard, with every vine having a place in a plot-by-plot vinification process, that enables each terroir to express its full complexity and depth.

More spacious, and with an improved layout, the new facilities also permit a gentle transfer of the grapes by gravity, very precise temperature control, and extractions adjusted to the characteristics of each vat.

Combining innovation and tradition, the winery is a perfect reflection of Château Beychevelle’s “haute-couture” expertise.

The rigorous selection process undergone by the grand vin results in the creation of its younger brother, Amiral de Beychevelle.Despite being made from young vines, Amiral de Beychevelle benefits from the same growing techniques, meticulous sorting, and traditional barrel ageing.It has the same elegance and finesse as its older brother, but reveals its character more quickly, offering wine-enthusiasts the full vivacity of its youth. It can be kept for up to fifteen years, depending on the vintage.

🏅Vinous 93 pts

Bright, perfumed aromatics of dark cherry, violet, graphite and subtle spice. Medium-bodied, polished and balanced, with fine tannins and vibrant acidity. It offers immediate charm while still having enough structure to age gracefully. Very successful for a second wine.

🏅Wine Advocate 89-91 pts

Aromas of violet, plum and blackcurrant take shape on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, it’s supple and generous on the palate, with sweet, ripe fruit, silky tannins and a juicy, lively finish. This is an approachable second wine with a wide drinking window.

🏅Decanter 92 pts

Fresh, vibrant dark fruit, black cherry, cassis and violet, with a hint of pepper and licorice. Silky, well-integrated tannins, good lift and balance. Generous, charming and perfectly made for earlier drinking, with clear Saint-Julien character.