Château Belgrave 2011

Part of the vineyard holdings of the large negociant Dourthe, this classified growth has gotten better over recent years. The 2011 offers a dark plum/ruby color, good texture and ripeness, and a spicy character, but in 2011 it tastes more like a top Cru Bourgeois than a classified growth.

Rounded and easy in feel, with pretty cherry, bitter plum and black currant fruit, backed by bay, tobacco and sandalwood shadings. Sneakily long. Drink now through 2017. 13,500 cases made, 1,300 cases imported.

The austerity softens to reveal an attractive plush roundness to the tannins on the close that must have taken careful work in the cellar and during ageing. Not a generous wine on the attack, and yet it finishes with a lovely cushion of cassis and blueberry fruit. 40% new oak. pH 3.68, harvest September 13 to 29.

A little austere at the moment but shows polished, firm tannins. Full-bodied, with juicy fruit and a medium finish. Better in 2017.

Black core. Sweet vanilla-scented dark fruit. Sweet Ribena-like fruit. Lifted aroma. Sweet and red-fruited on the palate. Dry, very fresh, balanced but not trying hard to please. Pretty drying on the finish. Honest, and the fruit just about fills the frame. (JH)

Produced from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Spice, cedar, cranberry and cassis scents, soft and approachable; this medium-bodied, tannic wine ends with bright crème de cassis. 86-88 pts

Intense ruby red, a purple shimmer, brightening on the rim. Chocolatey notes, ripe plums, morello cherries, a touch of oak. Medium-bodied, somewhat brittle tannins, mineral, a discreet astringency, vegetal nuances on the finish.

Extremely dark purple with lilac and violet highlights. Discreet bouquet indicating depth, dark noble woods, black cherries, fine traces of truffle in the background. Superb palate, plenty of fat in the tannins, pumpernickel, licorice, black olives and black cherry compote, good substance in the structured tannins that are still delicately grippy, lots of lingering aroma. Seamlessly keeps pace with the previous two vintages and is among the very best Grand Cru. And by that I mean a clearly defined Grand Cru level that can compete not only with other Cinquièmes but also with quite a few Deuxièmes!

Extremely dark purple with lilac and violet highlights. Discreet bouquet indicating depth, dark fine woods, black cherries, subtle truffle notes in the background. Superb palate, plenty of flesh in the tannins, pumpernickel, liquorice, black olives and black cherry compote, good substance in the textured tannins, still slightly grippy, lots of lingering aromatics. Keeps pace seamlessly with the two previous vintages and is among the very best Grand Cru. And by that, I mean a clearly defined Grand Cru level that can hold its own not only against other Cinquièmes but also against quite a few Deuxièmes!

Colorful, fairly powerful for the vintage, with a slight lack of nuance and complexity relative to its classification.

Dense, tannic, oaky, modern, with good substance, length, and a beautiful spicy finish.

Garnet red. An intense bouquet marked by freshness, with notes of red berries and licorice. Very inviting and convincing. On the palate, the wine is surprisingly approachable, fresh, and perfectly supported by its structure. The tannins give breadth, and the acidity highlights the fruity expression on the finish. A fine success.

Dark, beautiful color. Fruity, ripe-style nose. Soft, flavorful palate with a supple body and wrapped, aromatic tannins. Pleasant, medium length.

(53% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot) Deep, classic, elegant bouquet with blue and black berries, tobacco, fine woods, mocha. Balanced, dense, multi-layered palate with a tightly woven, silky texture, powerful aromatics, fine tannins, and a very long, full, fresh finish. Has room to improve. 17/20 2018 - 2035

92-94. Barrel sample. This is a dark wine that's dominated by firm and dry tannins. It has weight and power, with juicy plum flavors showing slowly under the tannins. Shows long-aging potential.