Tasted at Chateau Angelus. A blend of 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the Bellevue '09 has a rounded, silky smooth nose of kirsch, orange liqueur, honey and cedar with fine definition and focus. This is a very classy bouquet. The palate is full-bodied with firm, structure tannins, very fine balance and focus, great purity and expression. Very good grip, a more masculine Bellevue but with greater breeding than in previous vintages, the minerality on the finish quite enthralling. Superb. Tasted March 2010.

A blend of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, this wine, which is made under the administration of Hubert de Bouard, tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol. Loads of chalky minerality from limestone soils are obviously present in this wine, which has a dense purple color, a viscous, full-bodied mouthfeel, huge fruit concentration, power, and structure. From yields of 28 hectoliters per hectare, the wine is rather massive and backward in the mouth. It looks terrific and could turn out to be superior to their great 2000. However, patience will be required, as this wine needs 5-7 years of cellaring, but should last three decades. (Tasted four times.) Drink 2015-2045.

Tasted blind. Blackish crimson. Light treacle and tea leaves on the nose. At the moment the fruit and the tannin are decidedly unmarried. Chewy end. Hint of liquorice. One of the more youthful wines in this flight. It’s certainly ambitious. But it needs time. (JR)