Wine SpectrumTop 100 

#8 Wine of 2018

2016 Chateau Leroy-Beauval Bordeaux

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc  |  France |  Wine Spectrum 95 | Buy Here

Think great bordeaux is beyond your reach? Think again. The 2016 Chateau Leroy-Beauval proves there’s more to this classic French wine region than bragging rights and super-expensive bottles. Much more. Bordeaux is often characterized as the epitome of wine luxury. A category only for the wealthy, elite, or one to be savored at select special occasions. That association isn’t without reason; after all, many of the most expensive wines ever sold have been Bordeaux. But if you’re seeking savvy, value wine then look no further. We have uncovered one of the best values in all Bordeaux! We flat out love this wine! Unlike a lot of pricier bordeaux it is drinking beautifully now but there is still great potential for aging. Priced under $35 and with only 200 cases imported into the US this one will go fast. A must buy!

Vineyard and Winemaking Notes:

This 30-hectare vineyard is planted at a density of 5,000 vines/ha with an average age of 35 years in soils that are a mix of clay and limestone as is often the case on this, the Right Bank of Bordeaux. The planted acreage includes 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. The vineyards are mechanically tilled to encourage deep root penetration. Net yields in 2016 were a mere 21 hls/ha. Harvesting, on September 26, 2016, was manual for 10% and by machine for 90%. After a 6-day pre-fermentation maceration at 5° C, the fruit was fermented in temperature-controlled cement tanks with a 15-daycuvaison. Malolactic was carried out in barrels after which the new wine spent a total of 12 months in barrel on its post-malo, “fine” lees. About 50% of the French oak barrels were new and 50% second fill. All were from esteemed Burgundian cooper, Rousseau Père & Fils. The final blend is 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Only about 5% of the harvest will be bottled as the estate’s grand vin, meaning that there will be only a little more than 2,800 bottles. The talented winemaker is Mathieu Richard, also the driving force behind the fast up-and-coming Saint Emilion Grand Cru, Château Badette.

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