2019 Bellevue (Saint Emilion)

This Product is currently unavailable. Please check back later or contact us directly and we will endeavour to source it for you.

Scores + Notes

Average Score

Drinking window

2026-2042

Critic Notes

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.

Score: 95-/100DecanterDrinking Window: 2026-2042

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.

Score: 93-95/100Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Morello cherry nose. Good depth of fruit. Firm and structured but with an uncharacteristically suave texture. Limestone terroir shows, providing freshness and a saline finish. Overall, well balanced, the fruit dampening in the inherent power. (JL)

Score: 17-/20Jancis RobinsonDrinking Window: 2026-2038

Isabel Ferrando on finding the 'Saint Prefert identity'

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites." So said Rhone expert Jeb Dunnuck on release of the 2016 vintage. The names Isabel Ferrando and Saint Prefert have indeed become synonymous with Southern Rhone of the highest ...

ON July 25, 2019

Château Ausone: The Ethereal Estate of Saint-Émilion

Visiting Chateau Ausone during En Primeur Week, we were fortunate enough to spend some time with owner Alain Vauthier and his son Edouard (who has grown up working at the Chateau) to discuss the changes afoot at Saint-Emilion’s most prestigious address. Chateau Ausone has, without question, been producing some of the finest wines in the world for many decades, but ...

ON April 12, 2019

Nicolas Potel on Roche de Bellene 2018

“2018 is the best vintage I have ever made… What I love about the 2018s is the shock every time I taste it… It is a vintage I have been dreaming about for many years”. Nicolas Potel Nicolas grew up in Burgundy, learning his skills as a vigneron under the guidance of his father, the highly respected Gerard Potel at ...

ON October 11, 2019

Chateau Belle-Brise: Interview with Henri-Bruno de Coincy

Every year we look forward to our special visit to the tiny Pomerol property of Chateau Belle-Brise, a rather inconspicuous property with a “garden” vineyard of two hectares that produces just 800 cases a year. With such little production and a legion of loyal followers, not to mention its uniquely seductive almost Burgundian style often described as “the Musigny of Pomerol”, ...

BY Gavin Smith,

ON May 20, 2020

2018 En Primeur Release of Pomerol's Chateau Belle-Brise

The 2018 Bordeaux En Primeur campaign reached new heights this week with the surprise release of one of Saint-Emilion’s top estates - Chateau Angelus. As well as offering a pleasing reduction in price versus their last two vintages, this welcome surprise set the tone for potentially one of the most exciting En Primeur campaigns ever. Last week our first releases ...

ON April 18, 2019

Product Details

Country

France

Region

Bordeaux

Sub-region

St Emilion

Colour

Red

Taste

Dry

Alcohol %

Product Type

Still wine

Product Subtype

Drinking Window

2026-2042

Country

France

Region

Bordeaux

Sub-region

St Emilion

Colour

Red

Taste

Dry

Alcohol %

Product Type

Still wine

Product Subtype

Drinking Window

2026-2042

Average Score

Drinking window

2026-2042

Critic Notes

Score: 95-/100DecanterDrinking Window: 2026-2042

Score: 93-95/100Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Score: 17-/20Jancis RobinsonDrinking Window: 2026-2038

Isabel Ferrando on finding the 'Saint Prefert identity'

ON July 25, 2019

Château Ausone: The Ethereal Estate of Saint-Émilion

ON April 12, 2019

Nicolas Potel on Roche de Bellene 2018

ON October 11, 2019

Chateau Belle-Brise: Interview with Henri-Bruno de Coincy

BY Gavin Smith,

ON May 20, 2020

2018 En Primeur Release of Pomerol's Chateau Belle-Brise

ON April 18, 2019

Country

France

Region

Bordeaux

Sub-region

St Emilion

Colour

Red

Taste

Dry

Alcohol %

Product Type

Still wine

Product Subtype

Drinking Window

2026-2042

Country

France

Region

Bordeaux

Sub-region

St Emilion

Colour

Red

Taste

Dry

Alcohol %

Product Type

Still wine

Product Subtype

Drinking Window

2026-2042