Region: Bordeaux, France
Grape: Merlot

Château Bellevue is part of the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé appellation. It is owned by Pradel de Lavaux and Boüard de Laforest families. Since 2007, the team from Château Angélus have looked after the domaine which covers 6.8 hectares and is planted entirely to Merlot. The wines from this domaine have progressed enormously since 2000 and are defined by their power and well-rounded tannic structure. A true reference of the appellation.

This chalky, earthy wine appears to be more narrowly constructed than I remember from barrel. Medium-bodied with crisp black cherry fruit, a whiff of bay leaf, and unsmoked cigar tobacco, it is a crisp, moderately tannic wine that will benefit from time in the cellar. Consume it during its first 10-15 years of life.