History
Acquired by Vincent Mulliez in 2004,Château Belle-Vue comes from an exceptional terroir whose history isintertwined with the one of Bordeaux wines. Formerly the headquarter of anactive shipping industry, the Château is now renowned for its vineyards.Already highly recognized in the 19th century, this estate has received manyawards: a Gold Medal in Amsterdam in 1895, Silver in Brussels in 1897, in Parisin 1900 and in Bordeaux in 1907. The last vintages were also regularlydistinguished in competitions and by the international press.
Since the premature death of VincentMulliez in 2010, his wife Isabelle has taken over the management of theproperty, continuing with determination the work initiated by her husband. Thisrigorous and enterprising man had succeeded in a few years to impose his 3properties, Belle-Vue, Gironville and Bolaire among the best values of theMedoc. In 2016, a 100% Petit Verdot wine was added to the Château Belle-Vuerange: Petit Verdot by Belle-Vue.
Terroir & Vinification
Petit Verdot is the signature grape varietyof the estate. Each year, it is present in the blend of the Mulliez Familywines at the rate of 20% for Château Belle-Vue, 10% for Château de Gironvilleand 50% for Château Bolaire. This is a rare occurrence in the Médoc since PetitVerdot is reputed to be very difficult to harvest. Indeed, it is a grapevariety that hardly freezes and has therefore been cultivated mostly on frostysoils. Nevertheless, at Château Belle-Vue, Petit Verdot is planted on earlyterroirs, i.e. sandy gravels that contain little clay. Thus, the warming up isfast and the maturity regular.
This specific cuvée 100% Petit Verdot ismade from very old vines, planted in 1936, 1940 and 1950. These vines resistedthe devastating frost of 1956 and produce very small grapes, carefully harvestedby hand. Vinified with respect and gentleness, this cuvée is aged inItalian amphorae to preserve its freshness and fruit, and in Hungarian andAustrian oak barrels to sublimate the structure and aromatic typicity of PetitVerdot.
Tasting
When tasted, Petit Verdot by Belle-Vue hasa very unique style. It gives off a rather spicy aspect. The aromas tendtowards cherry and morello cherry. The tannic structure is imposing and thecolor is intense.
🏅 Jeb Dunnuck 93 pts
Coming from 100% Petit Verdot (which youdon't see often), the 2018 Le Petit Verdot by Belle-Vue reveals a deep purplehue to go with smoky black fruits, scorched earth, graphite, and violet nuancesfollowed by a rich, medium to full-bodied, impressively concentrated style onthe palate. I love its tannins, it has wonderful purity of fruit, and is justloaded with potential. Give bottles 2-4 years, and it should be a treat todrink any time over the following 10-15 years.
🏅 Wine Advocate 91+ pts
Made from 100% Petit Verdot coming fromvines planted in 1936, 1940 and 1950, the 2018 Petit Verdot by Belle-Vue wasaged for 14 months in oak, 20% new, and has 14.5% alcohol. Deep garnet-purplecolored, one swirl sets off an eruption of red and black fruit preservesscents, featuring stewed blackberries, kirsch and black raspberries, leading toan undercurrent of dark chocolate, unsmoked cigars and dusty soil. Themedium-bodied palate is delicately crafted and refreshing, revealing intense,wonderfully pure red and black fruits with an approachable, grainy texture,finishing long and perfumed. This is a seriously interesting expression thatshould drink best in a year or two then should cellar gracefully over 15+years.
