Chateau Belle-Vue AOC Haut-Medoc Heritiers Vincent Mulliez, 2016

Château Belle-Vue is relatively little known, but not because it doesn’t have the necessary terroir and savoir-faire to make its mark. The estate close to Macau in the southern Médoc was known in the 19th century but disappeared from public view when it was incorporated into another Château until the mid 1990s. A high proportion of Petit Verdot vines are cultivated alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The oldest vines were planted in 1907 on deep gravelly soils. Intensely deep in colour, the 2016 has earthy soupy aromas with the presence of Petit Verdot making itself known. It is a structured and concentrated wine, dense with earthy notes and a bitter liquorice finish. 2016 is a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 20% Petit Verdot. Grapes underwent a cold maceration followed by fermentation at 28°C. The wine was matured for up to 16 months in barrels and tank.