Chateau Belgrave, 2011 and 2014

Belgrave 2011 and 2014 bottles with Haut Medoc vineyard

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The 2011 Belgrave shows medium ruby with garnet hues and earthy cedar, tobacco, and red-berry aromatics. As the wine unfolds in the glass, notes of cedar and tobacco evolve, inviting a deeper sensory experience. The firm tannins provide a defined structure, while the bright acidity leads to a long, austere finish, making it well-suited for extended cellaring.

The 2014 Belgrave displays deep ruby with purple highlights, ripe blackcurrant, plum, spice, softer tannins, fuller body, and a smooth vanilla finish. Fruit-forward and immediately appealing with structure for medium-term ageing.

The stylistic differences stem from the weather and the winemaking response. The 2011 vintage in Haut-Médoc had a cool, wet season and a late harvest, preserving freshness but limiting ripeness. These conditions led to firm tannins, bright acidity, and a restrained structure. The cool nights locked in red-fruit aromatics, enhancing the wine's complex profile and contributing to its potential for cellaring.

In contrast, the 2014 vintage benefited from near-ideal growing conditions: a warm, dry summer with consistent temperatures enabled extended hang time and optimal phenolic ripeness. The Médoc’s gravel soils absorbed and radiated heat, ensuring even maturation across varietals. Harvest occurred under optimal conditions in late September, yielding physiologically ripe fruit with balanced sugars (13-13.5% alcohol), supple tannins, and concentrated flavour compounds. This results in plush fruit and velvety tannins on the palate, making the wines immediately appealing and providing excellent ageing potential.

Belgrave adapts winemaking to each vintage while letting terroir speak.

Both wines undergo temperature-controlled fermentation, then 12-14 months in French oak. The 2011 used 40% new oak for structural support; the 2014 used 35% to keep fruit forward. The blend—65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot—provides structure and complexity.

Within the Cru Bourgeois classification, Belgrave holds a distinguished position, balancing power and elegance. Comparative analysis highlights its unique standing: Château Chasse-Spleen (Moulis) offers greater concentration and tannic intensity, appealing to those who prefer powerful wines. Château Potensac (Médoc) shares the fruit-forward appeal of the 2014 Belgrave but with more pronounced structure for extended ageing. Château Le Crock (Saint-Estèphe) exemplifies the northern Médoc’s austerity, with firm tannins and pronounced minerality. Château d'Arsac (Margaux) emphasises aromatic refinement, silky texture and hints of masculinity. Château Paloumey (Haut-Médoc) produces polished, modern-styled wines with immediate accessibility. Château Malescasse (Haut-Médoc) combines traditional methods with precision viticulture for harmonious results. Stand and be counted among these great CBs, Belgrave distinguishes itself through exceptional terroir expression, consistent quality across vintages, and remarkable value, offering classified-growth complexity at Cru Bourgeois pricing.

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Ageing Potential. These vintages exhibit distinct maturation trajectories relevant to collectors. The 2011 drinks now and peak around 2027, with extended cellaring potential. The 2014 also drinks well now, but develops tertiary complexity after 2027. Both reward patience while terroir and winemaking philosophy ensure continuity. The 2011 represents classical Bordeaux—structured, restrained, and suitable for cellaring. The 2014 demonstrates modern accessibility without compromising ageing potential, offering generosity, polish, and immediate appeal. is part of the Cru Bourgeois classification, a group of respected estates in the Médoc region that produce quality wines often at a more accessible price point than classified growths. Haut-Médoc, where Belgrave is located, benefits from gravelly soils and a maritime climate, which are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends.