Wine Advocate (97)

"Le Veau is one of the three plots listed in the original decree creating the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, on the western side," Ivan Massonnat explains, introducing his Anjou Sec Veau. The southwest-facing 1.68-hectare-plot rests on a flush schist area, giving this Anjou from the Quarts-de-Chaume AC (which is exclusively reserved for noble sweet wines) not only richness and power but also mineral tension and great aging potential. In 2018, Massonnat forgot to isolate the fruits of Le Veau, so it went into the Ronceray that I described earlier this year. The 2019 Anjou Sec Veau exhibits an intensely golden-yellow color followed by accordingly intense and concentrated, full and almost overripe, sweet and juicy tropical fruit that is absolutely exciting and made to meditate about whether the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation should not be opened to dry wines as well. However, this unique 2019 opens mind-blowingly intense, rich and complex and immediately asks for our time in order to explore all its depths and to follow the developments in the glass (I am using Zwiesel's wide and open Sensory Giacomo Conterno glass, which is just perfect for this kind of wine). On the palate, this full-bodied and rich yet perfectly balanced and elegant Chenin promptly reveals great finesse and minerality before the fruits come through and cover the palate with an almost oily texture; the spectacularly long finish, carried by crystalline acidity, cuts through this richness to leave the palate with a powerful, intense and aromatic as well as persistently salty aftertaste. This is another picture-book Chenin Blanc from Domaine Belargus, whose interplay of finesse and salinity with power and richness is mind-blowing. Natural cork. Tasted in September 2021.

Explore the unique and luxurious delight of the 'Belargus Anjou Veau 2020'. Crafted with precision in the rich soils of Loire Valley, France, this remarkable wine carries the distinct regional essence. The producer, Maison Belargus, is renowned for quality wines matured through innovative techniques. Rigorously following sustainable viticulture, the Belargus Anjou Veau 2020 boasts of expressive local varietals, with handling that enhances its natural aromatics.

The wine was vinified naturally and aged in used wooden barrels to create an unfiltered, impeccably pure expression retaining its fruit intensity. With a nose braced by fresh citrus and a lively palate hinting at touches of exotic fruits, the Belargus Anjou Veau 2020 forms a perfect harmony of immense freshness and approachable depth. Bask in the classic elegance of this white, a delightful addition to any sophisticated wine collection.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (93)

Enjoyable and unfussy, not the most concentrated of the 2010s in this lineup, full of dark brambled fruits, enjoyable and easy to drink, plenty of character.

The Wine Cellar Insider (89)

Medium bodied, with red plums and cherry fruits, the wine offers a light, currant and herb finish. 87-89 Pts

Vinous - Neal Martin (90)

The 2015 Belgrave has an attractive blackberry, raspberry and pressed iris bouquet that displays commendable intensity. The palate is quite grippy with slightly hard tannins but there is plenty of fruit with hints of autumn leaves and fennel toward the slightly bitter finish. Enjoy this over the next decade. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)

The 2016 Belgrave is gorgeous. Striking aromatics and silky, nuanced fruit give the 2016 much of its considerable immediacy and overall appeal. This expressive, beautifully layered Haut-Médoc has a lot to offer.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88)

The 2017 Belgrave comes across as wild and gamy. Iron, graphite, incense, tobacco and inky dark fruit give the 2017 a distinctly feral personality. That impression is further enhanced by big, rustic tannins. I liked this a bit more from barrel.

Wine Advocate (89-91)

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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)

The 2019 Belgrave is every bit as impressive from bottle as it was en primeur. Dark, bold and savory, the 2019 is fabulous from the very first taste. Wild black cherry, lavender, spice and dried herbs build in a Haut-Médoc that is positively stellar in every way. I loved it.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)

The 2019 Belgrave is every bit as impressive from bottle as it was en primeur. Dark, bold and savory, the 2019 is fabulous from the very first taste. Wild black cherry, lavender, spice and dried herbs build in a Haut-Médoc that is positively stellar in every way. I loved it.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)

The 2019 Belgrave is every bit as impressive from bottle as it was en primeur. Dark, bold and savory, the 2019 is fabulous from the very first taste. Wild black cherry, lavender, spice and dried herbs build in a Haut-Médoc that is positively stellar in every way. I loved it.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)

The 2019 Belgrave is every bit as impressive from bottle as it was en primeur. Dark, bold and savory, the 2019 is fabulous from the very first taste. Wild black cherry, lavender, spice and dried herbs build in a Haut-Médoc that is positively stellar in every way. I loved it.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-90)

The 2020 Belgrave is a promising Haut-Médoc. Graphite, scorched earth, cloves, licorice and lavender create a deep, penetrating bouquet. There is good depth and energy here, even if the 2020 remains just a bit lean. All the Belgrave needs is a bit more midpalate juiciness. Tasted two times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-90)

The 2020 Belgrave is a promising Haut-Médoc. Graphite, scorched earth, cloves, licorice and lavender create a deep, penetrating bouquet. There is good depth and energy here, even if the 2020 remains just a bit lean. All the Belgrave needs is a bit more midpalate juiciness. Tasted two times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-90)

The 2020 Belgrave is a promising Haut-Médoc. Graphite, scorched earth, cloves, licorice and lavender create a deep, penetrating bouquet. There is good depth and energy here, even if the 2020 remains just a bit lean. All the Belgrave needs is a bit more midpalate juiciness. Tasted two times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)

Château Belgrave consistently turns out gorgeous wines that offer notable character and the ability to improve with cellaring. Readers on a budget will want to take note of this Left Bank gem.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

A powerful, full-bodied, straight-up awesome wine, the 2018 Hermitage from Domaine Belle comes from the more limestone soils of the Les Murets lieu-dit and spent more than two years in barrel. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a smorgasbord-like array of kirsch, jammy blackberries, acacia flowers, violets, ground pepper, and cured meats. With full-bodied richness, a rich, opulent, incredibly sexy texture, sweet tannins, and a great finish, we're in blockbuster territory, and along with the 2017, it's the finest Hermitage I've tasted from this domaine. It has another 15-20 years (probably longer) of prime drinking.

Savour the exquisite finesse of Belle Brise 2016, a superior expression of intense ripeness and vibrant acidity. This singular Merlot blend, from the prestigious vineyards of Pomerol, Bordeaux, exhibits the classic character of the renowned terroir. Crafted by esteemed vintner Pierre Taix, there’s marked dedication to traditional organic viticulture, enhancing the purity of fruit expression. Belle Brise 2016 is aged in premium French oak barrels, shaping complex layers of dark fruit, accented with hints of spice and smoke.

This stellar vintage showcases excellent ageing potential, bound to delight discerning oenophiles. Captivating, structured and perfectly balanced, Belle Brise 2016 gracefully epitomises the art of winemaking. Its expert rating on globally recognised wine publications reflects the dignified allure of this extraordinary offering. Immerse yourself in the world of fine wines with Belle Brise 2016, an illustrated testament of Bordeaux's mighty vintages.

Unveiling the prestigious Belle Brise 2017, an opulent red wine showcasing the exceptional terroir of Pomerol, Bordeaux. Crafted by the acclaimed winemaker Pierre Taix, this exquisite offering pays tribute to precision and harmony. Characterised by its rich ruby colour, Belle Brise 2017 elegantly reveals an expressive bouquet of ripened black fruits, floral notes, and enticing spices.

The hand-picked Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes are vinified in the traditional manner, expertly aged in French oak barrels, harmoniously resulting in a complexity of smooth tannins and lush velvety texture. Belle Brise 2017 enchants with an enduring finish that echoes the wine's profound depth and character. A truly sublime companion to richest gourmet delights.

In each bottle of Belle Brise 2017, you will find an embodiment of Pierre Taix's rigorous approach to winemaking, underpinning the estate's consistent philosophy of quality and elegance. An unmissable addition to every discerning wine connoisseur's collection.

Unveiling the prestigious Belle Brise 2017, an opulent red wine showcasing the exceptional terroir of Pomerol, Bordeaux. Crafted by the acclaimed winemaker Pierre Taix, this exquisite offering pays tribute to precision and harmony. Characterised by its rich ruby colour, Belle Brise 2017 elegantly reveals an expressive bouquet of ripened black fruits, floral notes, and enticing spices.

The hand-picked Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes are vinified in the traditional manner, expertly aged in French oak barrels, harmoniously resulting in a complexity of smooth tannins and lush velvety texture. Belle Brise 2017 enchants with an enduring finish that echoes the wine's profound depth and character. A truly sublime companion to richest gourmet delights.

In each bottle of Belle Brise 2017, you will find an embodiment of Pierre Taix's rigorous approach to winemaking, underpinning the estate's consistent philosophy of quality and elegance. An unmissable addition to every discerning wine connoisseur's collection.

Vibrantly expressing terroir-driven nuances, the Belle Brise 2018 bestows an exquisite drinking experience. From the extraordinary Pauillac region of Bordeaux, France, this sophisticated wine is cultivated by the esteemed Château Belle-Brise, famed for their meticulous, organic grape-growing traditions. Like every bottle from the estate, Belle Brise 2018 is exclusively hand-harvested, preserving grapes' integrity.

The blend manifests a remarkable combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, aged exquisitely in specially sourced oak barrels, granting an unrivalled complexity of flavour. Vive la Belle Brise!

This opulent vintage presents notes of ripe blackcurrants, luscious plums, and subtle hints of violet, underlined by a nuanced, cedarwood finish. The Belle Brise 2018 displays sublime structure, commanding depth of flavour, and an elegantly smooth finish.

A true gem within the world of fine wines, Belle Brise 2018 is a robust, well-balanced revelation, promising a sublime addition to any discerning wine cellar.

Relish the charm of French winemaking with the Belle Brise 2019. Birthed in the esteemed vineyards of Bordeaux, this fine wine epitomises meticulous craftsmanship. Masterfully curated by premier winemakers, the Belle Brise 2019 gleams with a radiant ruby hue, signifying its robust constitution. Its harmonious blend of earthy aromas and fruity undertones, heightened by the subtle oak influence, symbolises the synthesis of tradition and innovation that defines Belle Brise's philosophy. The wine is aged in French oak, reflecting their enduring commitment to authenticity.

A taste of Belle Brise 2019 is an invitation to savour the distinctive terroir of Bordeaux - a poetic union of rich clay soils tempered by the region's gentle maritime climate. This fine wine offers complexity, depth with a velvety finish, embodying Belle Brise's artistry and the unerring dedication of its winemakers. Whether enjoyed on its own or complementing exquisite cuisine, Belle Brise 2019 encapsulates the quintessence of fine winemaking from the heart of Bordeaux.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (87)

(a blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 20% petit verdot): Bright, medium red-ruby. Reduced aromas of black fruits, licorice, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf. Supple on entry, then a bit herbal and lean in the middle but with good freshness to the flavors of cassis, redcurrant and cedar. A juicy wine with modest flesh.

Wine Advocate (89-91+)

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