Andrew Guard

2020 Bordeaux Côte des Francs 'Emilien', Château le Puy

This 2020 vintage of Emilien is a real gem and one of the best wines I tasted in 2022. As with all vintages the first thing that strikes you is the glorious jewel-like colour. The nose is attractively fruity, with ripe red fruit aromas dominated by cassis and redcurrant with hints at sous-bois and gravel. The palate is silken, medium-bodied and precise, with velvety tannins paving the way for long and complex finish. A wine of great finesse, sensual in its youth but also with the potential to age and grow for several decades. The epitome of elegance and refinement.

I have been looking for some time to find a Bordeaux to add to our portfolio of wine and after several years of searching and tasting I have found something very special indeed in Château le Puy, run by the Amoreau family since 1610.

Jean-Pierre Amoreau and his son Pascal make very pure and equisite Bordeaux wine from their estate of fifty hectares of old vines in the Bordeaux 'Côtes de Francs' region. The estate is planted mostly to Merlot but also has plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Carmenère. For white wine, only Semillon is used.

These are special wines and an authentic expression of 'terroir' - Biodynamic agriculture, winemaker skill, soil and climate all combine to produce wines that age with grace and elegance, and with a bright acidity that keeps them fresh and alive.