Wines Unspecified Château Rocher Bellevue - 2001

Viniou Reviews

Château Rocher Bellevue 2001 is a red Bordeaux wine, reflecting the classic character of this renowned region. This vintage, with more than two decades of cellaring, offers an intriguing exploration into matured Bordeaux. Though the precise appellation is not specified, the wine most likely blends Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, possibly with touches of Cabernet Franc or Malbec, as is typical for right and left bank Bordeaux estates. The 2001 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by a relatively cool and wet September following a warm and dry August, resulting in wines with good structure, freshness, and balance rather than overt ripeness. Vinification would have followed traditional Bordeaux practices, with careful fermentation and extended ageing in oak barrels, bringing subtlety and evolution to the flavours over the years.

The Bordeaux region, shaped by the meeting of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary, benefits from a temperate maritime climate ideal for slow grape ripening, which enhances the complexity and aromatic finesse of its wines. The soils vary dramatically, from limestone and clay on the right bank to gravel and sand on the left, influencing the blend and expression of each château. Château Rocher Bellevue’s vineyards draw from this diverse terroir, yielding wines that balance fruit, tannin, and earthy undertones, especially with age. Bordeaux’s winemaking history is centuries old, establishing rigorous quality standards and a deep understanding of blending and ageing.

With its age and Bordeaux style, this wine would pair beautifully with classic dishes such as roast rack of lamb with rosemary, duck breast, or a well-prepared entrecôte steak. For a regional touch, serve it alongside confit de canard or a rich Bordeaux-style mushroom fricassée. Mature cheeses like aged comté or Saint-Nectaire would provide an excellent complement to the wine’s developed tertiary notes.

For optimal enjoyment, decant Château Rocher Bellevue 2001 for at least an hour to allow it to open up and fully reveal its bouquet. Serve at a cool but not cold temperature, ideally between 16-18°C. This will showcase the wine’s elegant structure, mature fruit, and subtle earthy complexity.