Organically- and Biodynamically-farmed. (Ecocert since 2012). Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Vine-age between 35- and 60-years old. Aged in new, used, and 2nd-vintage French oak barrels. These are old-school Pomerols, the likes of which we rarely ever come across anymore. Polished, mouth-filling and long with all of the signature iron and mineral notes that one could hope for.

If you've been dining in many French Michelin-starred restaurants, then you've likely come across the wines of Château Bellegrave. These wines are presently placed in around 36 such establishments in Paris alone, including Guy Savoy, L'Ambroisie, L'Arpege, L'Astrance, Pierre Gagnaire, plus Akelaure (and Arzac in Spain). Yet, for all of the attention this tiny estate garners, and all of the magnificent cellars the wines have joined, the story couldn't really be any more humble. Located in the southern Pomerol near Castle René and Château l'Enclos, this is only a second-generation estate, with Jean Bouldy having purchased the vineyard in 1951. Despite the obvious superiority of Jean's soils to some of his neighbors (classic gravel and super-ferrous red clay, à la Pétrus), the wines gained their reputation slowly. Doubtlessly still, in the dawn of chemical farming (with Bordeaux leading the charge in many cases) the wines must have stood out given Jean's total aversion to any chemicals in his vines.