2012 Belle Vue (Haut Medoc)
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
This is usually one of my favorites among the lesser-known properties in the Médoc, but the 2012 is hard, angular and lacking charm. It is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 20% Petit Verdot, the latter component quite unusual and very elevated for a Bordeaux blend. Drink it over the next 4-5 years, as I don’t think this is going to sweeten up or shed enough tannin to come into balance.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Smoky oak and bacon plus lots of dry, almost sour fruit. Pretty light-bodied for a 2012 left bank, though not dilute. (RH)
Deep dark cherry colour. Delicately scented with pure black fruit and just a hint of oak char. Smoothed chocolate texture and sweetness on the palate, owing more to oak than anything else at the moment but there's harmony and freshness. Just not so keen on the kick of chocolate on the finish. (JH)