Critics reviews
James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, April 5, 2012
(Decanter – Bordeaux 2011 coverage – April 2012)
About this WINE
Chateau 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.
Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself particularly well in blends with Merlot. This is actually the archetypal Bordeaux blend, though in different proportions in the sub-regions and sometimes topped up with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
In the Médoc and Graves the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend can range from 95% (Mouton-Rothschild) to as low as 40%. It is particularly suited to the dry, warm, free- draining, gravel-rich soils and is responsible for the redolent cassis characteristics as well as the depth of colour, tannic structure and pronounced acidity of Médoc wines. However 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be slightly hollow-tasting in the middle palate and Merlot with its generous, fleshy fruit flavours acts as a perfect foil by filling in this cavity.
In St-Emilion and Pomerol, the blends are Merlot dominated as Cabernet Sauvignon can struggle to ripen there - when it is included, it adds structure and body to the wine. Sassicaia is the most famous Bordeaux blend in Italy and has spawned many imitations, whereby the blend is now firmly established in the New World and particularly in California and Australia.
Buying options
Add to wishlist
Description
Good depth of blackcurrant fruit, good structure, balance and length. A forward style Haut-Médoc wine but will keep.
Decanter – Bordeaux 2011 coverage – April 2012
wine at a glance
Delivery and quality guarantee