2012 Chateau le Puy, Cuvee Emilien, Cotes de Francs, Red Bordeaux, France.
Jean-Pierre and son Pascal Amoreau’s Chateau le Puy Emilien Bordeaux is an all biodynamic red made up of about 85% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec and 1% Carménère grown on a mix of clay, silex and limestone at an elevation of 350 feet above sea level, the second highest vineyards in all of Bordeaux, on the same plateau as the upper parts of both Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. This is a beautiful and stylish wine that delivers a stellar performance in the glass with graceful tannins, a full bodied and wonderful persistence and length, it’s hard to believe it can be this good while being so young, but it is and the Le Puy 2012 should only get better! The Merlot and limestone terroir are singing here with supple fruit, earth and warm terra-cotta notes leading the way, the start shows a hint of acacia, graphite and mulberry before turning generous and complex on the palate with blackberry, plum and rich cherry fruit as well as cedary spices, minty notes, tobacco, sandalwood and loam, finishing with a hint of creme de cassis, anise and cola bean. This fresh vintage has good intensity of attack, but with graceful roundness and while structured and with just the right amount of acidity in it’s veins, it is easy to enjoy now. There is a youthful fruity charm here, though underpinned with plenty of hidden force and with another 5 to 10 years this just might prove to be a classic. I’ve had the 2011 on many occasions and while not a renown year it starred with complexity and density, so I am certain there is a lot to come from this 2012, this is a unique Bordeaux expression that deserves your full attention. Drink this 2012 Chateau le Puy anytime, but I’d say the best window would be 2022-2030. I was grateful Vinopolis Wine Shop in Portland had it in stock for a blind Bordeaux tasting flight, and had it on special, a big thank you to the team there for getting this Rosenthal Selections (Importer) wine to me in time, it’s a jewel!
($40-50 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive
