Château Villa Bel-Air

Graves Red Bordeaux Blend

8.9132 ratings
9.017 pro ratings
Graves, Bordeaux, France
Red Bordeaux Blend
Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, White Rice, Mushrooms, Pasta, Pork, Salami & Prosciutto, Pungent Cheese, Lamb, Tomato-Based, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Beef, Hard Cheese, Venison
Top Notes For
Stefan Dolhain

This estate was bought in 1988 buy Jean-Michel Cazes (Lynch Bages and more recently Haut-Batailley) and sold in 2017 to the Balland family (Baret). 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Aged in used Lynch Bages barrels. This 2014 is in a very good place now, but should age well for a few more years. Fresh and elegant, with typical Graves spiciness. Not the most complex but a very solid and seductive effort for the vintage.

This estate was bought in 1988 buy Jean-Michel Cazes (Lynch Bages and more recently Haut-Batailley) and sold in 2017 to the Balland family (Baret). 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Aged in used Lynch Bages barrels. This 2014 is in a very good place now, but should age well for a few more years. Fresh and elegant, with typical Graves spiciness. Not the most complex but a very solid and seductive effort for the vintage.

1 person found it helpfulJan 4th, 2021
Matt Austin

Owner/Winemaker, Grosgrain Vineyards, Walla Walla, WA

9.0

Not as enjoyable as previous bottle a year ago, but still a nice developed claret. Time to drink up.

Not as enjoyable as previous bottle a year ago, but still a nice developed claret. Time to drink up.

1 person found it helpfulAug 29th, 2017
Brian Thompson

Sales & Marketing Krupp Brothers Winery, Stagecoach Vineyard

8.9

Really earthy with dusty rock framed by surprisingly ripe dark fruit aromas. Not as finessed as I'd hoped but pleasant nonetheless.

Really earthy with dusty rock framed by surprisingly ripe dark fruit aromas. Not as finessed as I'd hoped but pleasant nonetheless.

1 person found it helpfulNov 7th, 2016
Hreiðar Þór Heiðberg

Dank ass wine.

Dank ass wine.

1 person found it helpfulSep 24th, 2016
David Monaghan

I must be something right, the outlaws gave me this bottle and it's a superstar... It is super with a meal and just for a glass.. It's flavours are berryesque with the taste dancing across the tongue.. Bacchus when we meet I will open this first.... Let my journey for the perfect vault continue

I must be something right, the outlaws gave me this bottle and it's a superstar... It is super with a meal and just for a glass.. It's flavours are berryesque with the taste dancing across the tongue.. Bacchus when we meet I will open this first.... Let my journey for the perfect vault continue

1 person found it helpfulOct 19th, 2015
Jusden Aumand

Solid, good sense of terroir. Great value Bordeaux

Solid, good sense of terroir. Great value Bordeaux

Oct 26th, 2016
phillip baltz

Well done, Kat & Theo!

Well done, Kat & Theo!

Nov 11th, 2015
Matt Austin

Owner/Winemaker, Grosgrain Vineyards, Walla Walla, WA

9.1

Slightly bretty, but smooth, minerally and drinking very well. Nice inexpensive Graves from a great vintage.

Slightly bretty, but smooth, minerally and drinking very well. Nice inexpensive Graves from a great vintage.

Aug 27th, 2015
Sean Trapani

Founder/Educator Wine Fluent, Consultant ABC Fine Wines & Spirits

8.8

(**) well balanced 50% Merlot blend with savory and subtle red fruit notes; mild spice and a graceful finish. Might be passed its prime showing, as its elegance borders on shyness.

(**) well balanced 50% Merlot blend with savory and subtle red fruit notes; mild spice and a graceful finish. Might be passed its prime showing, as its elegance borders on shyness.

May 22nd, 2015
Jennifer DiDomizio

In to inexpensive Bordeaux lately. Blackberry, black current, bitter chocolate/espresso. Slightly tinny on the finish.

In to inexpensive Bordeaux lately. Blackberry, black current, bitter chocolate/espresso. Slightly tinny on the finish.

Jan 6th, 2015