Château Bellegrave 2022

This is a dark and sleek offering, with gently mulled black currant and blackberry fruit dusted with a cocoa note and gilded with violet and dried anise accents. A light kiss of singed cedar underscores the fresh finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2037. 2,500 cases made, 800 cases imported.

The 2022 Bellegrave is a powerful, vibrant Pomerol. Graphite, new leather, dark fruit and lavender unfurl in the glass. The 2022 has plenty of energy to match its broad, ample feel. Even with all of its obvious intensity, Bellegrave is so expressive. The blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc works well.

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Ripe cassis, hints of cherries, orange zest and nougat, delicate spice notes. Substantial, sturdy and spicy, ripe plums, some nougat on the finish, a chocolatey food wine.

The 2022 Château Bellegrave is rock solid, with savory red and black fruits, some earthy, herbal, and truffly notes, medium body, and a supple, nicely balanced style on the palate. The blend is 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc.

Delicate bouquet of blue and black berries, licorice, Sichuan pepper and a subtle violet perfume. On the taut palate, a soft texture, powdery extract, a tightly knit tannic frame and medium body. A straight-lined finish with cherry skin, a full dose of dark minerality and finely crumbly astringency, rounded off.

The warmth of the vintage asserts itself from the very first whiffs, with a fleshy, dense nose showing fine wood and black-fruit aromas, alongside refined oak. These woody notes still shape the palate, with velvety tannins—present yet marked by a certain elegance. The finish brings black-fruit and alcohol notes, with just a touch too much richness.

Bellegrave 2022 is a worthy ambassador of Pauillac! Its bouquet reveals notes of cedar and graphite, along with nuances of blackcurrant, eucalyptus and licorice. The compact, concentrated attack immediately underlines the depth this cru possesses. Its power is well channelled, leaving the wine serene and self-assured. It knows it is broad and vigorous, yet it also manages to showcase its freshness and precision. Certainly one of the finest achievements of this magnificent estate located in Saint-Lambert. There are great terroirs over there… The two Pichon are not there by chance!

Good overall balance, well put together, unassuming. Discreet bouquet of tobacco, peat and small black fruits, grainy tannins clearly present on the palate, a certain substance, and freshness. It leaves us with a very positive impression; it has passed the vintage’s test with flying colors.