Château Belgrave has a long history of producing fine wine. Tucked in behind St. Julien, Château Coutenceau, as it was then known, was classified as a Fifth Growth in the 1855 classification of the Médoc. The estate has been known as Belgrave for well over a century and its vineyards have deep gravelly soils, much like those of the adjacent St. Julien. Under the management of Dourthe in recent vintages, it has become a best buy for those seeking truly fine claret on a budget. The 2020 is lovely example of Haut-Médoc style. It shows wonderfully pure blackcurrant, black cherry and plum fruits interwoven with hints of herbs, vanilla and baking spices plus subtleties of tobacco, olive and earth. On the palate, the wine is impressive for its purity of fruit and layering of fruit, herb, spice, earth and oak flavors. This fine Haut-Médoc is enjoyable even now in the forward 2020 vintage, but will cellar well for another 15 to 20 years.
Château Belgrave, Haut-Médoc (Bordeaux, France) 2020
By Wayne Belding