2005 Bellevue (Saint Emilion)
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Tasting notes
Sweet tobacco, campfire smoke, damson, strawberry puree and tobacco, this captures the beauty of 2005 at this moment in time, and the mouthwateringly fine tannins of this cool clay-limestone terroir as it ages. One to savour and share, tons of nuance and character, with understated power that grows through the palate to a mouthwatering finish. Owned by the de Lavaud family at the time, two years before the de Boüard's of Angélus took a 50% stake.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Dark vibrant crimson. Intense sweet fruit initially, but then it dries to a dusty, unappetising finale with alcohol on the end. Sour finish. (JR)
The first bottle of 2005 Bellevue that I tasted had a maderized, oxidized nose that was off-putting. This note is from a second bottle. This second bottle showed absolutely no trace of oxidation, but did offer plenty of crushed, chalky minerality, notes of plum, blueberry, black raspberry and cherry fruit, a dense purple color, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and fabulous structure, purity and length. It should drink well for at least another 20+ years.
Blackish purple – very different colour. Very ripe, hint of brett. Horrid greenness on the finish. Very uncomfortable to taste. (I have liked this wine more in the past, but the average score at this tasting was only 14.07.) (JR)