Petit Verdot by Belle-Vue 2018, Bordeaux

Now this is interesting - and really really good!

Chateau Belle-Vue is a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionelle vineyard in the Haut Medoc, just south of Margaux, and is a star in it's own right! However, because this is 100% Petit Verdot from what was formerly an island on the Garonne - a clay/limestone site that is exclusively planted with Petit Verdot, with an average age of 79 years - it is listed as a Grand Vin de Bordeaux. It's better than many Haut Medocs though!!

Petit Verdot is grown across the Haut Medoc but generally in small quantities - although it does provide 20% of the blend for the Chateau Belle-Vue itself. It ripens later than the other varietals but does help the blend (it's supposed to add tannin, colour and flavour, in small amounts, to the blend. It allegedly 'stiffens' the mid-palate of Cabernet Sauvignon!)

The 2018 vintage has a lovely aromatic burst of fresh berries and cherries followed by a full fresh mouthful of perfumed red and black fruits. While 85% is aged in Austrian oak, only 20% is new oak so it sits subtly (and supplely if that's a word) in the background and never interferes with the fresh fruit flavours.

This is a real find and offers something different but so good! But don't take our word for it.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate scores it 91+ points - Outstanding!
'Deep garnet-purple colored, one swirl sets off an eruption of red and black fruit preserves scents, featuring stewed blackberries, kirsch and black raspberries, leading to an undercurrent of dark chocolate, unsmoked cigars and dusty soil. The medium-bodied palate is delicately crafted and refreshing, revealing intense, wonderfully pure red and black fruits with an approachable, grainy texture, finishing long and perfumed. This is a seriously interesting expression that should drink best from 2022 then should cellar gracefully over 15+ years'.

Petit Verdot by Belle-Vue is packed in 6 Btl wooden cases

Alc. Vol. 14%
Last Tasted: December 2024