BELLEVUE 2008 FUTURE ST. EMILION

  

This wine is now made (and owned) by Hubert de Bouard of Angelus fame.  One would think he knows the terroir since Angelus is located just across the street.  We liked what we tasted and think this will be one of the wines to watch over the years providing the price stays the same...Robert parker writes, "Fashioned from very low yields of 21 hectoliters per hectare, the 2008 Bellevue seemed to be as backward and unevolved as any of the 2008s, apparently because of the late malolactic fermentations and more elevated acidities in this vintage. A blend of 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc that tipped the scales at 14% natural alcohol, this wine is painfully tannic and backward, but oh, so promising. While it offers flavors reminiscent of liquid chalk combined with creme de cassis, kirsch, and licorice, it will take time to fully express itself, thus my score is conservative. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030+?"