Chateau Bellevue 2014

ANTONIO GALLONI: "The 2014 de Bellevue possesses striking energy and nuance, two of the key signatures of these clay-limestone soils nestled between Canon, Beau-Séjour and Angélus. Dark red and black stone fruits, dried flowers, licorice, lavender and smoke add nuance on the pulsating finish. In this vintage, the Bellevue is 100% Merlot. In a second tasting, the 2014 was quite a bit oakier and extracted in its overall impression. Either way, Bellevue is a powerful, virile St.-Emilion that will require time in bottle."

DECANTER: "Red and dark fruit aromatics. Lively and fresh on the palate. Clean, juicy and honed, the limestone terroir apparent. Tannins firm but refined. Well-handled extraction."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A tight and alluring red with spice, chocolate and berry character. Full-bodied yet tight and composed. Beautiful length and balance. Give it time to show you what it has. Try in 2020."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "With a touch of fresh-brewed espresso, earth and plums, this wine is forward, soft and open. Made from 100% Merlot, there is a nice touch of ripe red and black cherries in the finish."

WEINWISSER: "Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Das Bouquet unterscheidet sich von allen anderen Saint-Émilions! Nirgends habe ich so viel Lakritze, Rauch und Cassis gefunden, nicht kompottig in seiner Süsse, sondern enorm würzig. Im Gaumen ist der Wein weich, charmant und doch ziemlich konzentriert. Von der Vinifikation her hat man mehr auf Finessen als Kraft gesetzt. Trotzdem ist beides gelungen. Schmeckt wie ein ganz grosser Jahrgang!"

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "The wine from this estate perched high above Château Angélus is tight and mineral. While the dark dense tannins are to the fore, it also has great fruits. The acidity and the crisp texture give the wine both its intensity and its potential. Drink from 2025."

WINESPECTATOR: "Ripe and fleshy, with a direct beam of raspberry and black currant confiture framed by a solid graphite edge. Lots of tobacco and licorice snap details hang in the background. Should age well. Best from 2020 through 2030. 2,500 cases made. — JM"