Bellevue 2016

The 2016 Bellevue has retained the attractive bouquet evident when in barrel: quite rich in style but well defined, offering ample, luscious red cherry, mulberry and pressed iris aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with lush tannin, impressive depth and freshness and just the right amount of salinity toward the finish. This has gained a little panache during its élevage, and it comes highly recommended. Excellent.

Score: 93

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2023-2040 01 January 2019

The 2016 Bellevue is dense and powerful, but also quite reticent following its bottling this past June. Dark and virile, the 2016 is going to need at least a few years to come into its own. The intensity and volume the wine showed en primeur are very much in evidence, but also presently enshrouded by a wall of potent tannins. Gravel, smoke, game, leather and tobacco give the 2016 much of its savory character. I loved Bellevue from barrel, but it is far less showy from bottle. (93+)

Score: 93

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2024-2046 01 January 2019

From the Angélus stable, this lovely property has a 0.5ha slice on the top of plateau, with the remaining 6ha on clay limestone top slopes. Late ripening soils mean that this can be austere when young, even though it is 100% Merlot. Plum fruits, wild berries and a touch of austerity through the mid-palate. Needs time in the glass, but it opens to reveal lovely elegant mineral notes that layer over the top of restrained power.

Score: 93

Decanter, - Maturity: 2027-2045 21 April 2017