Deep ruby. Dense. Legs. 2012 Château Belgrave Haut-Médoc is a 5th Growth selling at CB prices. Fine first nose showing concentrated ripe fruits. The second nose gets complicated. There is also adequate complexity from the blend of Cabernet-Sauvignon (40%), Merlot (35%), Cabernet Franc (20%) and Petit Verdot (5%), as well as from the maturation from oak barriques, 50% new, for between 15 and 18 months. Medium-bodied; 13.5% ABV. On oxygenation, deep and long with liquorice and spicy finish. Concentrate ripe fruits, with a full-bodied for Haut Medoc, with velvety tannins, lovely acidity and a long, fruity finish.
Palate-wise, it has a St Julien personality with classic Haut-Médoc stylistics of minerality. It gives with a generous, silky touch, also carrying great balance and structure from the extremely fine-grained Cabernet tannins.
It is made by the Dourthe Team which has enlightened us since our early days with the House's signature wines from Chateaux Haut Gros Caillou, Rahoul, Reysson, and of course, Boscq, La Garde and Grand Barrail Lamazarzelle. Michel Rolland has been the consultant since the mid-1980s.
