Described as “dark and solid”, you could be forgiven for thinking Chateau Belgrave was more Chippendale rather than fine wine. Yet that is what this fifth growth Medoc wine does best: brooding good looks, beautiful finish and a lovely polish at the end.

Although there is some discussion as whether Chateau Belgrave should be considered a Saint Julien rather than a Medoc - it borders the region - its 1855 classification puts it in Medoc, at least for now. The dual nature of the Chateau is in fact a source of pride for the owners, with tour guides pointing out the proximity of the boundaries. However, this is not where the chateau’s duality ends. What we call Belgrave today started out being known as Chateau Coutenceau. And Chateau Coutenceau was never a vineyard - it was a hunting lodge for Louis XIV.

So for a vineyard that was essentially only a few years old when the classification was decided, Chateau Belgrave must have been something pretty special. Tragically, the estate suffered dramatically during WWII, meaning post war vintages can fetch up to €1,000 a bottle (scarcity being a major asset). Refurbishment began shortly after and was completed in 1986, when Michel Rolland was asked to work his magic with the selection and ageing. This earnt the vineyard universal praise, and they have not looked back since.

As if to prove their bifold point, today the estate is owned by the negociants colossus CVGB, but managed by Dourthe, who has negotiated management until 2025 (they started in 1979). Dourthe and CVGB invested heavily and renovated the winery in 2004, allowing for a parcel by parcel approach, rather than a one size fits all approach that had earnt the vineyard column inches but was no longer fitting to their philosophy. This has caused a noted uprise in both points and prices; for example the stellar 2010 90-point vintage sells for an average of €44 (Q1 2020), while the 2001 - at just three points less, and nine years older - will only reach €25, and that's if you’re lucky.

It seems then that Chateau Belgrave is a wine of two halves. Its fifth growth status ranks it among the elite of Medoc (not Saint Julien) while the consistent and careful management of Dourthe and the vast financial pull of CVGB, makes it a savvy investors choice.