Château Belgrave 2016 (750 ml)

94 poena - Wine Enthusiast

Château Belgrave 2016 je izvanredan primjer klasično stilizovanog, a ipak modernog Haut-Médoca. Duboke rubin boje, otvara se složenim i primamljivim buketom zrelih kupina, tamnih trešanja i borovnica, uz cvjetne note ljubičice i suptilne začinske tonove. Na slojeve se nadovezuju naznake kedra, duvana i grafita, dajući vinu dodatnu dubinu i eleganciju. Na nepcu je puno i harmonično, sa koncentrisanim crnim voćem uokvirenim zrelim, uglađenim taninima i živom kisjelinom koja unosi svježinu u bogatstvo berbe. Kako se razvija u čaši, pojavljuju se nijanse mente, sladića i blaga slanost, koje vode ka dugom i postojanom završetku, istovremeno profinjenom i izražajnom.

Mješavina od 69% Cabernet Sauvignona, 28% Merlota i 3% Petit Verdot-a, berba 2016. odležavala je 12 mjeseci u francuskom hrastu (oko jedne trećine novom), što joj daje savršenu ravnotežu čiste voćnosti i suptilnog uticaja drveta. Ovo je vino strukture i stila, sposobno da se dostojanstveno razvija dvije decenije ili više, a ipak već sada pristupačno nakon kraćeg dekantiranja. Predstavlja jednu od najboljih berbi imanja u skorijoj istoriji, nudeći i trenutno uživanje i odličan potencijal za čuvanje.

94 points - Wine Enthusiast

Château Belgrave 2016 is a superb example of a classically styled yet modern Haut-Médoc. Deep ruby in colour, it opens with a complex and enticing bouquet of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and blueberries, layered with floral notes of violets and subtle spice. Hints of cedar, tobacco, and graphite lend additional depth and elegance. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and harmonious, with concentrated black fruit framed by ripe, polished tannins and a vibrant acidity that brings freshness to the richness of the vintage. Nuances of mint, licorice, and a touch of salinity emerge as it develops in the glass, leading to a long, lingering finish that is both refined and expressive.

A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2016 was aged for 12 months in French oak (about one-third new), giving it a fine balance of fruit purity and subtle oak influence. This is a wine of structure and poise, capable of ageing gracefully for two decades or more, yet already approachable after a brief decant. It represents one of the estate’s finest vintages in recent memory, offering both immediate pleasure and excellent cellaring potential.