Émilien 2018

750ml

Overview

Château Le Puy Émilien 2018 is a biodynamic red wine from the renowned Château Le Puy estate in the Bordeaux region, known for its commitment to organic and natural winemaking practices. This wine is crafted from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, combining the best of the estate’s terroir. The 2018 vintage was a favorable year, offering ripe fruit, balanced acidity, and soft tannins, making it a superb expression of the estate’s philosophy. Château Le Puy Émilien 2018 reflects the complexity and elegance the estate is known for, while showcasing the vintage's fruit-forward character.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: The grapes are hand-harvested, then sorted meticulously to ensure only the best fruit enters the fermentation process. Fermentation occurs in traditional wooden vats with natural yeasts, maintaining the wine’s purity and character.
• Maceration: Gentle maceration occurs to extract the perfect amount of color, tannin, and flavor from the skins, ensuring a well-balanced wine.
• Aging: The wine is aged in a combination of new and old oak barrels for approximately 12–18 months. The aging process allows the wine to integrate and soften, enhancing its complexity and adding subtle oak-derived notes.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: The wine has a deep, vibrant ruby color, showcasing its richness and youth.
• Aroma: On the nose, Château Le Puy Émilien 2018 exudes aromas of ripe dark fruits such as blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant. These are complemented by delicate herbal notes, hints of tobacco, and a touch of spice from the oak aging. There is a clear earthiness that adds depth, reflecting the estate's biodynamic practices.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, offering layers of dark fruit flavors, including black cherry, cassis, and ripe plum. The tannins are silky and smooth, providing a supple structure, while the wine’s acidity adds freshness and balance. The mouthfeel is rich and velvety, with flavors of dark chocolate and subtle herbs emerging on the finish.
• Finish: The finish is long and harmonious, with a lingering expression of fruit and a touch of earthy complexity. The tannins are well-integrated, offering a smooth, refined conclusion to the wine.

Food Pairing

Château Le Puy Émilien 2018 pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including roasted meats like beef, lamb, and duck. It also complements grilled vegetables, hearty stews, and rich pasta dishes like Bolognese. For a perfect pairing, enjoy with a selection of mature cheeses such as aged cheddar, Brie, or Comté.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Best served at 16–18°C (61–64°F) to allow the wine to open up and reveal its full range of flavors.
• Glassware: Use large, tulip-shaped red wine glasses to enhance the wine’s aroma and flavor profile, allowing it to breathe and develop its complexity.

Aging Potential

Château Le Puy Émilien 2018 has excellent aging potential, with its fine tannins and balanced acidity ensuring that it will continue to evolve gracefully in the bottle. This wine will likely reach its peak in 8–12 years, developing additional depth, complexity, and nuance over time. It can be cellared with confidence for those who prefer to enjoy its evolution.