Château Belgrave 2011, 2013, 2014: A Comparative Tasting Across Three Vintages

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When exploring the character and distinctions among Château Belgrave’s 2011, 2013, and 2014 vintages, one encounters three distinct expressions of Haut-Médoc’s Fifth Growth, shaped by both terroir and season.

All three vintages share a classic Left Bank blend, with Cabernet Sauvignon as the dominant grape, supported by Merlot, Petit Verdot, and a touch of Cabernet Franc—Cabernet this prominent in Haut-Médoc is increasingly rare. The winemaking is consistent: each wine spends 12 to 14 months in French oak (30–40% new), adding subtle spice and structure while letting the fruit shine.

The 2011 Belgrave delivers a medium-bodied wine with firm, classic structure, featuring red and black fruit, earthiness, and a backbone of tannin. Shaped by a warm spring, a cool, rainy summer, and an early harvest, it offers moderate ripeness and freshness. Most critics award it 88–90 points, highlighting finesse and classical style. James Suckling praised its “freshness and juicy, vibrant fruit,” calling it “one of the more charming Médocs of the vintage.” In contrast, Jancis Robinson described it as “a little lean and lacking mid-palate generosity,” cautioning that it may not satisfy those seeking richer wines.

The 2013 vintage reflects the challenges of a difficult, wet, and cool growing season. The wine is lighter, higher in acidity, and softer in tannin, with a lean, red-fruited profile best enjoyed young. Most critics score it between 85 and 87 points, noting modest concentration but fair drinkability. Neal Martin (Vinous) considers it “well-made and approachable, with pure red fruit and early appeal.” On the other hand, Wine Spectator found it “thin and short, lacking depth and persistence,” underscoring the vintage’s limitations.

The 2014 vintage stands apart, rescued by a warm, dry September and Oct

ober following a cool, wet August. This resulted in a riper, more generous wine with harmonious balance, fuller fruit, and well-integrated tannins, giving it greater longevity and approachability than its two predecessors. Critics generally rate the 2014 between 90 and 92 points, citing depth and ageing potential. Decanter praised it as “a real success, with energy, ripe tannins, and impressive balance for the vintage.” Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux), however, felt that “while well made, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the best 2014s, lacking a little complexity and flair,” so it may not stand out among its peers.

Alcohol reflects these vintage differences: both 2011 and 2013 are around 13%, while the riper 2014 reaches about 13.5%.

Your Hong Kong prices—$295 for 2011, $260 for 2013, and $290 for 2014—are well aligned with prevailing Wine-Searcher ranges ($240–$320). With high-quality storage and carefully maintained bottles, these three vintages offer reliability as well as value.

Taken together, these three vintages of Château Belgrave showcase how weather and vintage variation shape Bordeaux’s enduring style: 2011 is firm and classic, 2013 is light and best enjoyed young, and 2014 brings ripeness and balance for a more complete expression.