2018 Amiral de Beychevelle, Bordeaux, France, Saint-Julien AOP

The name of this wine comes from Jean-Louis Nogaret de la Valette, Admiral of France (FR : Amiral), Governor of Guyenne. An almighty man because, according to the legend, all ships passing the castle had to lower their sails as a sign of allegiance. Under Henry III Beychevelle it was the residence of the Dukes of Epernon. Hence the name Beychevelle, meaning "Drop-Sail" and the emblem of the castle, a ship with a griffin, the guardian of Dionysus’ wine crater.

The rigorous selection to which all the great wine vintages are subject, gives birth to this second wine, Amiral de Beychevelle. Matured in the same age-old tradition as that glorious the first wine, it is earlier ready to drink, giving the amateur all the vivacity of youth.

Geology: deep Garonne gravel.

Area: 250 hectares of which 90 are planted with vines.

Average age of vines: 28 years.

Density: 10,000 vines / ha.

Ageing: 18 months in oak barrels, renewed for 50% every year.

The winemaking is traditional.