| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The first bottle of 2005 Bellevue that I tasted had a maderized, oxidized nose that was off-putting. This note is from a second bottle. This second bottle showed absolutely no trace of oxidation, but did offer plenty of crushed, chalky minerality, notes of plum, blueberry, black raspberry and cherry fruit, a dense purple color, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and fabulous structure, purity and length. It should drink well for at least another 20+ years. Drink 2015 - 2035.
Tasted blind. Dark vibrant crimson. Intense sweet fruit initially, but then it dries to a dusty, unappetising finale with alcohol on the end. Sour finish. 14.5%
Drink 2012-2021
Some chocolate and coffee on the nose and sweet vanilla notes. Rich and opulent at first, full firm tannins and then a little dry on the finish. Quite modern in the attack and then the tannins kick in on the finish.Date tasted 12th Feb 08.
Bright ruby-red. Sweet cherry dominates the nose. Suave, sweet and spherical; a slightly high-toned fruit bomb, with flavors of cherry, blackberry, currant, crushed rocks and blackberry. An intriguing floral quality gives this very ripe wine a light touch and excellent back-end lift. Very easy to taste today, but this superconcentrated wine is likely to close down in the bottle.
Strong colour, new oak evident, velvety texture and very serious body. The tannin is not among the most refined. Drink from 2013.
Bellevue has only been making terrific wine since 2000, which probably explains why they were not upgraded to a grand cru classe in St.-Emilion’s most recent reclassification. This small (15.5 acres), south-facing hillside vineyard has such outstanding neighbors as Angelus and both Beausejours. Additionally, it boasted Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt as managers, who represent uncompromising viticulture and winemaking at its best. The winemaking team is likely to change as the estate was recently sold to Angelus. The 2005, a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, is a wine for true connoisseurs. It possesses a dense purple color to the rim along with a huge perfume of camphor, charcoal, graphite, blackberries, cassis, raspberries, and a liqueur of rocks-like component. Super-concentrated with chewy richness as well as enormous tannins, it, along with Ausone and Clos de Sarpe, may be St.-Emilion’s most backward wine. More of a long distance runner, it will provide little near-term pleasure. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2040
The spectacular 2005 Bellevue should rival, possibly eclipse their 2000. This 15.5-acre, south/southwest facing vineyard, near both Beau Sejour Becot and Beausejour-Duffau as well as Angelus, has been on a qualitative roll since Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt began to manage the estate in 2000. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, it possesses an extraordinary mineral component along with huge, sweet blackberry and cassis notes with hints of raspberries and crushed rocks. A super black/purple color only hints at the wine’s richness, massive concentration, and monster tannins. It represents the essence of terroir. Some people were surprised that Bellevue was not promoted in the new St.-Emilion classification, but they have only been making high quality wines since 2000. Prior to that, there was a succession of mediocrities. The 2,000-case 2005 came in at a whopping 14.5% natural alcohol, but the alcohol is barely noticeable due to the wine’s richness. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028+.
This estate has been on a qualitative hot streak since 2000, when it was taken over by the brilliant team of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt. Looking more like a vintage port than a traditional Bordeaux, the 2005 (less than 2,000 cases produced) was fashioned from yields of 38 hectoliters per hectare. A midnight black color is accompanied by an extraordinary perfume of crushed rocks, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and flowers. Boasting a fabulous texture, superb richness, huge tannin, and massive concentration, this stunning 2005 will need 7-10 years to reach adolescence. It is a brilliant wine, but not for the shy of heart. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2026.
Violet and blackberry with a hint of licorice. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and silky tannins. Very pretty. Tannic. Should be at least as good as 2003.
Very dark crimson. Very, very ripe indeed - just at the limit of ripeness. Something slightly farmyardy about it. Extremely sweet at first and then very marked acidity and tannin. Not integrated. Very severe modern style. Drink 2015-23
