Chateau La Caze Bellevue Saint-Emilion 2016

This former old property of the Countesses of Rochefort, has 13 hectares under vine just southeast of Libourne in St. Sulpice-de-Faleyrens along the Dordogne River rich soils in Saint-Emilion. The vineyard is planted solely with Merlot and Cabernet Franc and the vines are between 30 to 50 years old. Together, those two varietals work seamlessly in creating special Right Bank blends.

Star winemaker Philippe Faure carved a 2016 Right Bank beauty that is equal parts forceful and finesse with silky smooth, elongated tannins, dark jammy fruit and endless aromas of raspberry and blackberry. It’s a lot of fun to drink now in it’s youth as it matches perfectly with all kinds of meat, especially the gamier selections like rabbit or lamb. But it’s structure and tannic composition also suggest that it will be a wine that will continue to shine bright for the next 15-20 years.