Bellevue St-Émilion 2005

96 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(100% Merlot). Sweet tobacco, campfire smoke, damson, strawberry puree and tobacco, this captures the beauty of 2005 at this moment in time, and the mouthwateringly fine tannins of this cool clay-limestone terroir as it ages. One to savour and share, tons of nuance and character, with understated power that grows through the palate to a mouthwatering finish. Owned by the de Lavaud family at the time, two years before the de Boüard's of Angélus took a 50% stake. Alcohol 14.5%. Drink: 2022-2040. (6/24/22)"

94 points Robert Parker: "The first bottle of 2005 Bellevue that I tasted had a maderized, oxidized nose that was off-putting. This note is from a second bottle. This second bottle showed absolutely no trace of oxidation, but did offer plenty of crushed, chalky minerality, notes of plum, blueberry, black raspberry and cherry fruit, a dense purple color, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and fabulous structure, purity and length. It should drink well for at least another 20+ years. (6/28/15)"

94 points (17/20) La Revue du Vin de France (Jan 2007).

93 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Just starting to show its lushly textured, black cherry, plum, licorice, smoke, espresso and wet earth character. The tannins is soft, the fruit is sweet fresh and ripe, finishing with supple textured, dark red fruits, chocolate and cocoa. (Nov 2017)"