Bellevue Saint Emilion 2019 (750ML)

95 DE / 94-96 JD / 93-95+ WA / 93-95 VM

As ever a lesson in terroir, because 100% Merlot but with low pH from cool clay-limestone soils that means it can be austere in the early days. This has beautiful redcurrant leaf notes, reminiscent of a Cabernet Franc, low yields just under 30hl/ha so had to be very careful with extraction. This really does have sapidity and salinity, appetising tannins and a touch of minerality, with a purity that makes me think of Château Magdeleine back in the old days before it became subsumed into Belair-Monange. Strongly recommend. I love also how it has its own clear personality so distinct from Angélus and they are right next door. Drinking Window 2026 - 2042 - Jane Anson, Decanter

I've always enjoyed this wine (I recently finished a case of the 2003, which needs to be drunk up), and the 2019 Château Bellevue showed beautifully. Dense purple-hued with lots of cassis, gravelly earth, violets, and spicy oak, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a soft, opulent mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's a beautiful wine in the making and well worth a case purchase. - Jeb Dunnick

Bellevue is a pretty little vineyard poised just above Château Angelus in Saint-Émilion. The soils here are clay/limestone, and it is planted to 100% Merlot. Deep purple-black in color, the 2019 Bellevue rolls sensuously out of the glass with enticing notes of preserved plums, blueberry compote and Black Forest cake plus hints of powdered cinnamon, clove oil, candied violets and star anise. Full-bodied, concentrated and totally seductive in the mouth, the decadent black and blue fruits are well-supported by firm yet velvety tannins and tons of freshness, finishing very long and wonderfully opulent. - Lisa Perrotti Brown, Wine Advocate

The 2019 Bellevue has an attractive, oyster shell tinged bouquet that is very well defined by opulent blackberry and blueberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, silky in texture with a lovely countervailing sour cherry that lends welcome tension towards the finish. It will require 4-5 years in bottle but it will gift 20-30 years' drinking pleasure. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media