Château Bellegrave 2020

Initially fruity, then wood-driven; slender attack, powdery medium-grained tannins, smoky, wood-influenced finish.

Blackberry, plum, and wet earth aromas and flavors follow through to a medium body, with creamy and crisp tannins and a clear finish. 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc. From organically grown grapes. Needs three or four years to come around. Try after 2025.

The 2020 Bellegrave is well-defined and poised on the nose, with blackberry and briary notes, hints of truffle unfolding with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a graphite-infused entry. Quite solid and structured, almost like a “mini-Lafleur,” with a well-defined and persistent finish that has splendid minerality. Very fine.

Soft, silky, fresh, medium-bodied, with stewed plums, cherries and wet earth on the nose and palate. The wine is soft, sweet, open and already delicious to taste. 88-90 pts

92-93

The nose shows power, concentration, elegance and a lovely floral touch. There are notes of vibrant blackcurrant, violet and, more subtly, cornflower, and morello cherry, combined with hints of toast, incense and black pepper, as well as fine touches of vanilla and a delicate powdery note. The palate is fruity, juicy and fresh. There is elegance, flesh, roundness and an airy quality to its power. This is a wine with energy and drive. It reveals notes of pulpy, juicy blackberry, crushed cherry and, more delicately, roasted red berries, combined with hints of blueberry, cardamom and star anise, along with touches of vanilla and toast. The tannins are supple, elegant and racy. This is a gourmand wine with a discreet hint of pleasant bitterness and toasted nuances on the finish.

The 2020 Bellegrave is deep garnet-purple in color. Fragrant notes of blueberry preserves, violets, and licorice prance from the glass, followed by hints of wild sage and mocha. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers plenty of uncomplicated black fruits with a lively line and well-managed, approachable tannins, finishing savory.