Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
Potentially better than the 2003, the deep ruby/purple-tinged 2004 (5,000 cases produced) reveals abundant amounts of sweet black cherry fruit intermixed with cedar, spice box, and toasty oak. Dense and medium-bodied with beautiful elegance, purity, and texture, it should drink well for a decade.
Plenty of rich and sweet fruit, with berry, currants and chocolate. Full-bodied, soft and long. Very pretty
My estimated score may represent a leap of faith, but I tasted this 2004 on four separate occasions, three of which merited an outstanding rating. However, the tannin may prove to be an issue, thus the question mark. With a terrific terroir on a south-facing, limestone slope, Bellevue has been managed since 2000 by Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the ruby/purple-colored 2004 exhibits aromas of flowers, black cherries, currants, and a hint of crushed rocks. Medium-bodied and dense, with a boatload of tannin as well as impressive purity and ripeness and a long finish, it possesses considerable grace and nobility. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2022.