As Belgrave improves each year, it reveals a character that is close to the elegance and style of Saint-Julien, right next door. This 2010, while dense, is balanced, and its rich blackberry flavor is already integrating into its firm tannins. This should age well for the medium term.

Ripe and fleshy, with lots of roasted vanilla bean and fresh espresso, followed by dark, winey cassis and blackberry fruit. An intense licorice edge and a solid, tarry finish imparts drive. Best from 2014 through 2023.

I tasted the 2010 Belgrave several times and found it less impressive than I had hoped it would be, since I wrote it was a sleeper of the vintage from barrel. Nevertheless, the wine is still excellent. Dark ruby purple, slightly austere and closed, but exhibiting some tobacco leaf, black currant, vanillin, spice and earth, it should drink nicely for 15 or more years.

Bright red-ruby. Good lift to the aromas of cassis, licorice and spices. Nicely delineated dark berry and fresh herb flavors show more richness and weight than usual for this property. A bit drying on the back but maintains its freshness.