Amiral de Beychevelle Bordeaux

Amiral de Beychevelle is a highly sought-after red wine from Château Beychevelle, a winery in Bordeaux’s Médoc region within the Saint-Julien appellation. A handful of second-growth wineries call the same appellation home, including Leoville Las Cases and Leoville Poyferre. Château Beychevelle is classified as a Fourth Growth winery.

The red is one of two wines made by the château. Grapes used for the blend, which released its first vintage in 1974, are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. While it’s affordable at retail ($22-$44), at auction the price quickly multiplies. In the glass it’s a gorgeous ruby hue with notes of sweet berries and very pronounced tannins. The soil type is marked by gravel, sand, and clay, lending to its earthy profile. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the chateau has been run by several families with ties to nobility. Today, Grands Millessimes de France owns and operates the winery.

Quick Facts

• Château Beychevelle is often referred to as the Versailles of the Médoc because of its beautiful gardens
• The winery is a huge proponent of sustainable agriculture, especially on its own land
• Over 30,000 people visit the winery each year