2024 Bellevue (Saint Emilion)

All Merlot that saw a touch of stems and aging in 30% new barrels, 20% in new foudre, and the balance in once-used barrels, the 2024 Château Bellevue reveals ripe darker berries, juicy cassis, graphite, and floral notes. It's a ripe, round, layered Saint-Émilion that has sweet tannins, a plump mouthfeel, and outstanding length.

Gorgeous chalky tannins, red cherry and cherry pit, raspberry and blueberry fruits, always a naturally steely and saline finish to Bellevue, reflecting its limestone-dominant soils, gentle spice notes, and a kiss of oak. This is a physical wine, with a sensation of pumice and slate, and a sappy and sinewy finish that reflects the 10% whole bunch ferment. Frederic Massie of Derenoncourt Consultants, 35hl/h yield, harvest was October 3 to 6. 3ha estate, Sophie and Axel Pradel de Laxaux family sole owners since 2022, after a decade or more in partnership with the de Boüard family of Angélus.

Dried flowers, lilacs, cherries, red plums, strawberry, and licorice show with ease in the nose. Fresh, vibrant, silky, and refined, the fruits are sweet, long, and seductive, offering a nice sense of purity on the medium-bodied palate, and in the finish. The wine is produced from 100% old, vine Merlot, 13.5% ABV.