Petit Verdot by Belle-Vue 2019

History

Acquired by Vincent Mulliez in 2004, Château Belle-Vue comes from an exceptional terroir whose history is intertwined with the one of Bordeaux wines. Formerly the headquarter of an active fleet, the Château is now renowned for its vineyards. Already highly recognized in the 19th century, this estate has received many awards: a Gold Medal in Amsterdam in 1895, Silver in Brussels in 1897, in Paris in 1900 and in Bordeaux in 1907. The last vintages were also regularly distinguished in competitions and by the international press. Recent vintages have also been consistently distinguished in competitions and by the international press.

Since the premature death of Vincent Mulliez in 2010, his wife Isabelle has taken over the management of the property, continuing with determination the work initiated by her husband. This rigorous and enterprising man had succeeded in a few years to impose his 3 properties, Belle-Vue, Gironville and Bolaire among the best values of the Medoc. In 2016, a 100% Petit Verdot wine was added to the Château Belle-Vue range: Petit Verdot by Belle-Vue.

The Château Belle-Vue is located in the Médoc wine region, on the left bank of the Gironde River, in southwestern France. Specifically, it is situated in the commune of Soussans, near the town of Margaux. This region is renowned for its prestigious vineyards, which produce some of the world's most famous and sought-after wines. The vineyards, of 14.6 hectares, boasts a unique personality derived from its cultivation of five different grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon (48%), Merlot (30%), Petit Verdot (20%), Cabernet Franc (1%) and Carmenere (1%). 

Terroir & Vinification

Petit Verdot is the signature grape variety of the estate. Each year, it is present in the blend of the Mulliez Family wines at the rate of 20% for Château Belle-Vue, 10% for Château de Gironville and 50% for Château Bolaire. This is a rare occurrence in the Médoc since Petit Verdot is reputed to be very difficult to harvest. Indeed, it is a grape variety that hardly freezes and has therefore been cultivated mostly on frosty soils. Nevertheless, at Château Belle-Vue, Petit Verdot is planted on early terroirs, i.e. sandy gravels that contain little clay. Thus, the warming up is fast and the maturity regular.

This specific cuvée 100% Petit Verdot is made from very old vines, planted in 1936, 1940 and 1950. These vines resisted the devastating frost of 1956 and produce very small grapes, carefully harvested by hand.  Vinified with respect and gentleness, this cuvée is aged in Italian amphorae to preserve its freshness and fruit, and in Hungarian and Austrian oak barrels to sublimate the structure and aromatic typicity of Petit Verdot.

Tasting

When tasted, Petit Verdot by Belle-Vue has a very unique style. It gives off a rather spicy aspect. The aromas tend towards cherry and morello cherry. The tannic structure is imposing and the color is intense.

''I always love this little wine and it's such a unique expression of Bordeaux. Deep purple colored with a great nose of blue fruits, sappy herbs, tobacco, and candied orange, the 2019 Le Petit Verdot By Belle-Vue hits the palate with full-bodied richness, an expansive, shockingly supple texture, sweet tannins, and a great finish. It's a beautiful wine that I can't imagine will not evolve for at least a decade, and probably much longer.'' -  Jeb Dunnuck, (06/30/2020) Ratings: 91-93, Drink: 2020-2032