Chateau Bellegrave, Pauillac

Sour and closed at first, after open for several hours it started showing some jammy raspberry, red currant, undergrowth and slight licorice. On the palate tannins have melted and the wine is a bit hollow on the middle. It feels a bit dry and not really exciting. On Day 2 the licorice character became more dominant along with furry, animal tones. High time to drink this now. Probably past peak but still drinkable.

First day of en primeur Bordeaux 2013 (Château Bellefont-Belcier) : This was very hard and aggressive. I am rather sure that barrel aging will soften it, but is there enough fruit?

Garnet colour. More open nose than last time, with flavours of red currant, green bell pepper, cherry, undergrowth and licorice. Lean palate, not very concentrated but has a good structure. Bright acidity. Very classic, with no exuberance. At peak now.

Dark garnet colour. Restrained nose with some red fruits and barnyard. Quite lean on the palate at first, it fleshed out a little with air time. Sandy tannins; uplifting acidity. Overall, this is a light-weight, easy-drinking, decent everyday Bordeaux.

Medium garnet core, medium pale garnet rim. Mature, spicy, leafy red-toned fruit on the nose, very spicy, slightly caramelly - actually quite complex and attractive if not overly intense. More fruity on the palate - strawberries with some leafy notes, fully resolved tannins and reasonable acidity but a little light and also short on the finish. Enjoyable, mellow and mature, good for what it is but needs drinking up.