Château Belgrave

Château Belgrave traces its origins to a hunting lodge from the Louis XIV and Louis XV era, when the property was associated with the Coutenceau family. The négociant Bruno Devès introduced the Bellegrave designation in 1845, and the estate was classified under the name Coutenceau in the landmark 1855 Classification as a Fifth Growth. Marcel Alibert renamed the property Belgrave in the early 20th century. Dourthe, a major Bordeaux négociant house, took over management in 1979 and has overseen a sustained programme of modernisation, including major renovations in 1993 and 2004 and the launch of intensive vineyard mapping in the early 2000s.

• Origins as a royal hunting lodge under Louis XIV and Louis XV
• Classified in 1855 under the name Château Coutenceau
• Renamed Belgrave in the early 20th century by Marcel Alibert
• Dourthe has managed the estate continuously since 1979

The estate's 59 hectares sit within Saint-Laurent-Médoc, a commune that abuts Saint-Julien to the north and falls within the Haut-Médoc appellation. Elevations of 23 to 26 metres place the vines on gentle hillocks that slope toward flatter zones. The soils are a defining strength: deep gravel outcrops studded with 'galet' pudding stones overlie a clay bedrock, with additional gravelly-sandy patches throughout. This well-draining gravel foundation warms quickly, favouring Cabernet Sauvignon, while the clay subsoil retains moisture to buffer the vines in drier years. Proximity to the Gironde estuary delivers a maritime climate with a cool microclimate that suits late-ripening varieties. Remarkably, 95% of the vineyard footprint is unchanged from its configuration at the time of the 1855 Classification.

• Deep gravel with 'galet' pudding stones over clay bedrock, plus gravelly-sandy soils
• Elevations of 23-26 metres with hillocks sloping to flatter areas
• Maritime climate moderated by the Gironde estuary; cool microclimate for late-ripening varieties
• 95% of the vineyard area is unchanged since the 1855 Classification

The encépagement reflects a classic Left Bank profile led by Cabernet Sauvignon at 50%, supported by a substantial Merlot component of 42 to 49%. Cabernet Franc contributes 5% and Petit Verdot rounds out the blend at 3 to 4%. This balance between Cabernet Sauvignon structure and a generous Merlot proportion allows the wines to combine backbone with approachability at a relatively earlier stage. Michel Rolland's involvement as viticultural consultant, combined with Dourthe's systematic vineyard mapping from the early 2000s, has enabled parcel-by-parcel management tailored to the varied soil types across the estate.

• Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Merlot 42-49%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Petit Verdot 3-4%
• Michel Rolland serves as viticultural consultant
• Intensive vineyard mapping introduced in the early 2000s for parcel-level management
• Merlot's high share supports earlier accessibility relative to many Left Bank peers

Château Belgrave is consistently described as Saint-Julien in style despite sitting in Saint-Laurent-Médoc, reflecting the proximity of the two communes and the shared gravel terroir. The wines show dark fruit, cedar, tobacco, and mineral notes, with a profile emphasising finesse and elegance over sheer power. The high Merlot component softens the structure and brings mid-palate roundness, while Cabernet Sauvignon provides the frame and aging potential. Petit Verdot adds colour and spice. The cool microclimate extends the growing season, preserving freshness and aromatic complexity. These are wines built to age, though the Merlot component means they are not as demanding of long cellaring as some of the commune's northern neighbours.

• Described as 'Saint-Julien in style' for its elegance and gravel-driven character
• Dark fruit, cedar, tobacco, and mineral notes on the nose and palate
• Finesse and aging potential are the defining stylistic goals
• Cool microclimate preserves freshness and aromatic complexity