CHATEAU BELLEVUE DE TAYAC
MARGAUX, BORDEAUX, 2019
Why Buy: "Bordeaux 2019 – best ever?" Jancis Robinson posed the question, but many other critics are right there with her, and have noted the exceptional quality and consistency up and down the line. In other words, folks, this is the absolute perfect vintage to go big on everyday Bordeaux. And among the best of that class is Château Bellevue de Tayac Margaux Bordeaux, a rich, structured 93-pointer that, especially for the price (less than $35 a bottle), will knock your socks off.
What They're Saying: Roger Voss, in a glowing review for the Wine Enthusiast, awarded it 93 points and called it "generous and soft, with already a good balance of black-currant fruits and smooth tannins,” noting that it is also destined to age well.
The Story: Located in Soussans, in the Margaux appellation on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, Bellevue de Tayac is as small (just 4.5 hectares) as it is underrated. It came to renown during the tenure of Jean-Luc Thunevin, a much-revered winemaker and negociant in Saint-Emilion, who gave the wines a character all their own, while retaining their Bordeaux typicity. Vincent Fabre now makes the wines, and what is striking, particularly for such a relatively young house, is that there is, in fact, a house style. Fabre likes his wines racy, silky, and perfumed, which – in a call back to Thunevin – might not put them in the company of most Bordeaux, but gives them a personality and charm that endears them to many connoisseurs..
Specs: Cabernet Sauvignon is the predominant varietal, but there's a high percentage, too, of Merlot for softening and rounding, and, for character, trace amounts of Petit Verdot.
Our Tasting Notes: The black fruit (blackberry, black currants) announces itself immediately, and is alluring, and we love the way the wine opens up after decanting and in the glass, offering resonant notes of black truffles, soft dried herbs, and a hint of the forest floor. The presence of Merlot doesn't just soften the attack, and lend its richness, but also knits the various components together in a way that makes this a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts.
ABV: 13.5%
What to Pair It With: Roast pork with huckleberry sauce; roast duck with apples; seared tuna with ponzu.
Fun Fact: A visit to Château Bellevue de Tayac is not a trip back to the 19th century, with a grand house of an estate luring you inside. Its facade looks rather like a modernist art exhibit, a striking, dynamic cross-hatch of gold and silver metalwork.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so rest assured: your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Order yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2024. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, May 27th, 2024.
