Decanter (96)

This is a dry wine made from 3ha of the sweet-wine vineyard, Quarts de Chaume. The inviting honeyed, toasty aromas precede a palate with layers of flavour, alternating ripe yellow peaches and mineral intensity, with perfectly balanced, lemony acidity. The well-integrated oak supports rather than dominates, even at this early stage of the wine's life. Lovely now, this will last and last. The finish is very long, honeyed and sweet-and-sour. This is a wine that has everything. I love the bitter notes that recall the great botrytised whites of Chaume. The wine is completely dry; the structure is carried by the power of the schist soils that give this uniquely characterful Chenin its sumptuous, honeyed, saline, bitter deliciousness.

The

Belargus Anjou Ronceray 2018 is a momentous expression of Anjou, meticulously produced by celebrated winemaker, Jo Pithon. Located in the captivating terrain of Loire Valley in France, the vineyards of Belargus proudly present an enchanting reflection on the region's fertile lands. A symphony unfolds from the meticulous vinification of the Chenin Blanc grapes, handpicked from 70-year-old vines, guarding an ancestral legacy in each precious droplet. Bathed in the richness of the limestone and clay soil, this wine enjoys an aromatic complexity unparalleled in its class. Expect a bountiful palate justifying the long maturation in oak barrels, subtly suffused with the charm of wild flowers, honey, and ripe stone fruits. Leaning towards the drier spectrum, the Belargus Anjou Ronceray 2018 still maintains a balanced minerality and vibrant acidity as its tradition. For a harmonious blend of classic splendour and exceptional craftsmanship, let the Belargus Anjou Ronceray 2018 grace your finest moments.

Wine Advocate (96)

"'Les Rouères' is one of the three plots listed in the original decree creating the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, on the eastern side," reports Ivan Massonat. "The soils, thin and hot, rest on pudding sandstone—sand concretions and rolled gravel—accumulating the heat of the day and restoring it at night. This solar terroir gives birth to charming, ample and complex wines," finds Massonnat. His golden-colored 2019 Anjou Sec Rouères, from a 2.96-hectare plot, opens with a deep, intense and rich yet immediately also crystalline, fresh and concentrated bouquet of ripe and warm fruits intertwined with refreshing and piquant grapefruit and smoked speck aromas (think warm baked dates wrapped in bacon). The Rouères seems cooler, more crystalline and purer than the expansive, rich and narcotic 2019 Veau. Accordingly, the introduction on the palate is crystalline and full of vibrant minerality, purity and fine tannins, whereas the fruit is more lean and bitter, intertwined with tannins, heroic acidity and salts. The finish is still tight and reminiscent of candied lemons and a tequila-like salt and lemon mix. The 2019 Rouères is much less Dionysian at this early stage but Appollinese. The nose is almost a bit dusty, pure and stony as it is, and the oh-so-salty and piquant palate is built on finesse and mineral freshness rather than richness and power. This is definitely a wine to cellar for 10 or 20 years, and certainly longer. The still-tight and austere but tensile 2019 Rouères should gain complexity and texture with bottle age and eventually might also develop some hedonistic features, but for now it pleases most of all the Riesling aficionados among us. Natural cork. Tasted in September 2021.

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 - 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 (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.