Château Bellegrave
Cru Bourgeois Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend
Médoc, Bordeaux, France
"Château Bellegrave Médoc 2021"
Rating: 8.5/10 (A solid, honest wine for exploring the region).
Review:
"I picked this up as a study bottle to understand classic Médoc. The 2021 vintage (bottled 2023) in Bordeaux was a cool, challenging year, and you can clearly see it in the glass.
The wine is elegant and light on its feet - the body is noticeably leaner and more refined than in warmer vintages, with a crisp, lively acidity that keeps it fresh. The tannins are present but polished and fine-grained. The aromas are textbook Médoc: restrained notes of blackcurrant, a hint of plum, and a subtle, classic pencil-lead / cedar undertone.
Because of its lighter frame, it doesn't hit you with raw power; instead, it plays on subtlety and finesse. To get the most out of it, decant it for about 30–40 minutes - it really opens up and gains depth after some air.
It's a fantastic example of what "elegance" in Bordeaux tastes like, and a great lesson in how vintage variation affects a wine's style. At a price point around €15, it's a great value and a fantastic textbook for a beginner.
"Château Bellegrave Médoc 2021"
Rating: 8.5/10 (A solid, honest wine for exploring the region).
Review:
"I picked this up as a study bottle to understand classic Médoc. The 2021 vintage (bottled 2023) in Bordeaux was a cool, challenging year, and you can clearly see it in the glass.
The wine is elegant and light on its feet - the body is noticeably leaner and more refined than in warmer vintages, with a crisp, lively acidity that keeps it fresh. The tannins are present but polished and fine-grained. The aromas are textbook Médoc: restrained notes of blackcurrant, a hint of plum, and a subtle, classic pencil-lead / cedar undertone.
Because of its lighter frame, it doesn't hit you with raw power; instead, it plays on subtlety and finesse. To get the most out of it, decant it for about 30–40 minutes - it really opens up and gains depth after some air.
It's a fantastic example of what "elegance" in Bordeaux tastes like, and a great lesson in how vintage variation affects a wine's style. At a price point around €15, it's a great value and a fantastic textbook for a beginner.