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Bellevue 2004

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyMerlot

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Tasting Notes

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.

88/90
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (165), June 2006

Plenty of rich and sweet fruit, with berry, currants and chocolate. Full-bodied, soft and long. Very pretty

89/91
James Suckling, Wine Spectator (April 05), April 2005

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.

90/91
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (158), April 2005
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.