2015 Château Bellevue Saint-Émilion

Description

“Impressive dark plums and mulberries with nicely intertwined spices and violets. Attractive leafiness and sweet, earthy depth. The palate has suave, flowing tannins that carry a plush, plump core of dark-plum and mulberry flavors with a seamlessly long, showy finish. Try this from 2022.” (2/2018) James Suckling

“The 2015 is really a profound example of Bellevue – a 100% Merlot that has lots of power, replete with rich and spicy plummy fruits. The tannins are unmistakably layered, and this will age exceptionally well and take its time to soften. It goes long on fruit and on grippy acidity, and there is an austerity on the attack that softens into a graphite-led mid-palate. There was still 2% cabernet franc in the vineyard at this point, but it was not used in the blend. A highly enjoyable wine. 60% new oak.” (11/2017) Jane Anson for Decanter

“The 2015 Bellevue was a very impressive Saint-Émilion from barrel (the property lying opposite Château Angelus). Now in bottle, it has a very succinct bouquet with precise red cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry scents augmented by rose petal and cold stone aromas. I love the mineral undertow that appears only with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, extremely well-judged acidity, still with a patina of new oak to be subsumed but there is real harmony and focus on the finish. What a great Bellevue…do not overlook this gem. Anticipated maturity: 2021 – 2040.” (02/2018) Neal Martin

“Produced from 100% Merlot, the 2015 Bellevue gives up a deep garnet-purple color and quite an earthy/savory nose with tilled soil, charcuterie and roasted nut notions over a core of plum preserves, black forest cake and licorice plus hints of tar and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied with firm, rounded tannins and vibrant fruit expression lifted by a lovely line of freshness, it finishes on a minerally note.” (LPB) 94+ (2/2018) Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The estate is situated on the slope opposite Angélus. This wine’s tannins are firm but well integrated into the crisp Merlot fruit. The depth and complexity of this wine will allow it to age well.” (4/2018) Wine Enthusiast

“Gorgeous, with blackberry, raspberry and boysenberry fruit stitched together by a refined chalky structure. The long, focused finish ripples with understated energy while anise and black tea accents chime in the background. Best from 2023 through 2035.” (3/2018) Wine Spectator