Château Belgrave

Château Belgrave, classed as a 5ème Cru Classé in the 1855 Classification, was a run-down property producing fairly mediocre wines until 1980. Salvation came in the form of the Bordeaux firm, Dourthe, which bought Belgrave and immediately renovated the cuverie and cellars, as well as extensively replanting the vineyards. By the mid 80s, cult oenologist Michel Rolland was consulting and the subsequent rise in quality has been meteoric.

Belgrave is situated in Saint-Laurent, which is just outside the St-Julien appellation, and there are 55 hectares of vineyards, planted with Cabernet-Sauvignon (40%), Merlot (35%), Cabernet Franc (20%) and Petit Verdot (5%). The wine is matured in oak barriques, 50% new, for between 15 and 18 months.

Belgrave produces sleek, stylish and harmonious clarets that, while difficult to resist when young, amply reward cellaring for up to 10 years.