2006 Belle Vue (Haut Medoc)

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Cork. RS <2 g/l So hard it's bitter! (JR)

This sensational sleeper of the vintage is far better than the more famous “Bellevue” from St.-Emilion that proved so disappointing in 2006. This blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and a whopping 20% Petit Verdot is a lovely, round, pure, deep ruby/purple-colored effort offering sweet scents of berry fruit, licorice, charcoal, and lead pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, textured, broad, and lush, it could be thought of as a mini-La Lagune. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. Good value.

Rich and lively and covers the palate – very fresh and a bit tough and tart but at least there is refreshment here. Lively. Good balance. (JR)