Château Belle-Vue Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel 2016

This estate did a great job in 2016 (since 2021 it is owned by Treasury Wine Estates, and I believe no longer bottled under the name). Expect blackberry fruits, creamy textured tannins, confident architecture and a juicy finish. Fully in its drinking window, exactly what you want from a Cru Bourgeois. This was my last bottle, and I was sorry to see it go, but it looks like it is still pretty easy to track down, as far as I can see on a quick internet search. Vineyard located in Macau, just to the south of Margaux (separated from the AOC by a single small stream or jalle), beautiful gravel and pebbles that head down around 10m. 30% new oak.