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
