Wines Haut-Médoc Château Belgrave - 2016

Viniou Reviews

Château Belgrave 2016 hails from the esteemed Haut-Médoc AOC in Bordeaux, an appellation celebrated for producing structured and age-worthy reds. This wine typically showcases a classic left bank blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, with smaller proportions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The 2016 vintage is noted for its outstanding quality, benefitting from ideal weather conditions that resulted in wines of remarkable concentration, freshness, and balance. At Château Belgrave, vinification is traditional yet meticulous, with careful sorting of the grapes, precise fermentation, and aging in French oak barrels—usually for around 12 to 16 months—to frame the fruit with subtle spice and fine tannins.

Bordeaux’s Haut-Médoc, situated on the Garonne’s left bank, is an area rich in viticultural history, with gravel-dominated soils ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in the region’s moderate maritime climate. The gravel ensures excellent drainage and heat retention, promoting optimal ripeness and complex aromatics. The Médoc’s winemaking tradition stretches back centuries and is defined by a focus on blends crafted to age gracefully, a hallmark of the region’s greatest estates like Château Belgrave.

Given its structure and elegance, Château Belgrave 2016 pairs beautifully with classic Bordeaux cuisine. Roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak in a red wine sauce with shallots), or even confit de canard are sublime matches, as the wine’s tannic backbone and dark fruit profile complement the richness and textures of the dishes. Hard cheeses such as Comté or aged mimolette also harmonise well, enhancing the wine’s complexity.

For ideal tasting, decant this wine one to two hours before serving to allow its layers to unfurl. Serve at a temperature between 16 and 18°C to ensure the bouquet and palate express their full potential, revealing notes of blackcurrant, cedar, violet, and a gentle hint of mocha from careful oak aging. This vintage promises further evolution, making it a fine candidate for cellaring over the next decade.