Barthélemy 2010

750ml

Overview

Château Le Puy Barthélemy 2010 is a remarkable red wine from the renowned Château Le Puy estate in Bordeaux, France. Known for its organic practices and commitment to producing wines that reflect the true terroir of the region, Château Le Puy's wines are a blend of tradition and modernity. The 2010 Barthélemy is a particularly distinguished vintage, offering a deep expression of the estate’s rich history and winemaking philosophy. This wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, which provides a harmonious balance of fruit, structure, and complexity.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: Grapes are hand-harvested to ensure only the best fruit is used in the wine. The fermentation process takes place in traditional wooden vats, with natural yeasts.
• Maceration: Extended maceration helps extract deep color and tannins from the skins, which contributes to the wine’s complexity and aging potential.
• Aging: The wine is aged in oak barrels for 12–18 months, with a portion of the barrels being new oak, allowing for the integration of soft, spicy oak nuances. The aging process further develops the wine’s depth and enhances its smooth texture.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: The wine has a deep, dark garnet color, signaling its maturity and intensity.
• Aroma: On the nose, it offers a complex bouquet of dark fruits, including blackcurrants and plums, along with earthy notes of tobacco and leather. Hints of dried herbs, along with a subtle spiciness from the oak aging, add additional layers of complexity.
• Palate: The palate is full-bodied and elegant, with a well-structured frame. Dark fruit flavors dominate, particularly blackberries and cassis, complemented by earthy and herbal undertones. The tannins are firm yet round, providing a smooth texture and a refined mouthfeel. There is a balanced acidity that adds freshness and lifts the fruit flavors.
• Finish: The finish is long and harmonious, with lingering notes of dark fruit, tobacco, and a touch of minerality. The wine’s structure allows it to evolve beautifully over time.

Food Pairing

Château Le Puy Barthélemy 2010 pairs exceptionally well with rich dishes such as roasted lamb, grilled steaks, and braised beef. It is also a great match for game meats like venison or wild boar. For a more casual pairing, try it with a hearty beef stew or a selection of mature cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Best served at 16–18°C (61–64°F) to allow the wine to fully open and express its aromas and flavors.
• Glassware: Use a large red wine glass to maximize the wine’s exposure to air and enhance the bouquet.

Aging Potential

Château Le Puy Barthélemy 2010 is a wine with exceptional aging potential. It is already showing a great depth of flavor, but it will continue to evolve and improve over the next 10–15 years. Cellaring it will allow the wine to develop more nuanced flavors and a smoother texture over time.