Bellegrave (Pomerol) 2005

This Pomerol estate is somewhat under most consumer's radar, but their 2005 is the finest wine I have yet tasted from Bellegrave. It is an impressively endowed effort offering deep plum, caramel, sweet cherry, and mocha notes, a rich, full-bodied, up-front, opulent style, good acidity, and ripe tannin. It should drink well for 10-15 years.

Tasted from the chateau reserves with proprietor Jean-Marie Bouldy. The Bellegrave '05 has a tightly wound bouquet with superb delineation: dark cherries, a touch of smoke, chestnut and bell pepper emanating from the Cabernet Franc. The palate is very well balanced with firm tannins, very good structure and quite backward. There is a slight saline tang towards the finish that has impressive complexity and focus. Very well poised on the finish - this is a superb Bellegrave that should not be missed. Tasted November 2010.