Owned by the famous négociant firm of Dourthe, the 2005 Belgrave is a solid effort from a property that has tremendous upside. This dark ruby/plum-colored wine exhibits classic Médoc notes of tobacco leaf, unsmoked cigars, spice box, blackcurrants and cedar wood. It is medium-bodied, with relatively ripe, soft tannins, and a nice, lush finish. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

There's black licorice, coffee bean and ripe fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a wonderful concentration of ripe fruit and currant. Shows tar and vanilla on the finish. Best after 2013. 16,665 cases made. -JS

88-90 Barrel sample. Attractive peppermint aromas, almost eucalyptus, give this wine an Australian character. To taste it is soft, rich, dark and New World .——R.V.(6/21/2006)—— 89