Description
Château Bellevue, a Grand Cru Classé located in the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru appellation, is owned by the Pradel de Lavaux and De Boüard de Laforest families. The Angélus team has been carefully watching over its vineyard and cellars since 2007. Covering a single block of 6.82 hectares (16.85 acres), Château Bellevue’s vineyard is made up solely of the Merlot grape variety. Situated on one of the finest terroirs of Saint-Emilion, and having some of the great Premiers Grands Crus Classés as its close neighbours, the vineyard stretches out seamlessly over both slopes and plateau. Château Bellevue enjoys stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Tasting Notes
This was the breakthrough vintage for this fabulous terroir that had been under-exploited for so many years. A collaboration between Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt, this medium to full-bodied, pure blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc reveals aromas reminiscent of a liqueur of crushed rocks, black currants, and raspberries. The tannins are still present, and the wine is firmer than I expected, but it is loaded. Made in a distinctive, singular, elegant style, it will be even better in 5-6 years, and should last for two decades thereafter – longer than I originally predicted. [95+ Points, Robert M. Parker, Jr. –June 2010, robertparker.com]
