Gonzalez Byass Cristina

Vineyard:

• Varietals: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 5% Cabernet
  Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
• Soils: deep bed of gravel on subsoil of clay and sandstone
• Size of the vineyard: 70 hectares
• Age of the vine: 15-20 years
• Planting density: 8 000 – 10 000 vines / ha
• Average Yield: 45-50 hl/ha
• Harvest: by hand

Vinification: fermented in stainless steel and concrete temperature-controlled vats at 30°C. The vatting lasts between 20 and 25 days.

Ageing: 14 months (75 % in 12 months barrels previously used for Ch. Beychevelle and 25% in new oak)

Bottling: at the chateau

Tasting Notes: Soft, elegant and fruity with excellent depth and breed. With Amiral, the objective is to make a wine which can be drunk earlier than the Grand Vin (with more Merlot). Ideally consumed after 3-7 years of ageing.

Food Pairing: This wine will perfectly accompany flavourful (red or white) meat dishes such as grilled lamb chops, braised shanks and meat stews. Also harmonious with most cheeses like Gruyère, Comté, Cantal, Reblochon, Beaufort … (avoid Roquefort and arguably Camembert). And of course, will also easily and gracefully accompany more simpler dishes like pizza and/or most barbecued foods.

Wine Spectator: Amiral de Beychevelle 2010 (90pts) Offers a juicy feel, offering a lightly roasted cedar frame to the dark plum, blueberry and blackberry fruit flavours, with a ganache-coated finish. Approachable now, but no need to hurry. Best from 2014 through 2024. – James Molesworth

Bordeaux AOC, France

Expressive nose of ripe red fruits (plums, ripe cassis …), spices and with an elegant touch of new oak.  On the palate, the wine is immediately harmonious and seductive with velvety ripe-fruit flavours wonderfully cradled by the new–oak.  Medium bodied with ripe tannins and a savoury finish.

Blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvest is done 100% by hand. Traditional vinification in stainless steel and temperature-controlled vats.  Ageing in oak barrels for 6 to 8 months.

Western Australia

Enjoy the juicy passionfruit and herbal lift of Sauvignon Blanc complemented by the lively citrus and spice of Semillon. The palate is fresh and well textured and has bright fruit flavours.

Blend of 60% Sauvignon and 40% Sémillon. A refreshing wine to enjoy with friends on a warm summer’s day. To best appreciate the fresh fruit flavours, serve this wine chilled and drink it now, while young and fresh.