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This family estate in the
Northern Rhone has forged an enviable reputation for supple, generous wines.
Previously a member of the local co-op the Belle family have rapidly made a name
for themselves as a producer to watch. The domaine extends to 19 hectares in 4
communes and two appellations, Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage. Low yields in the
vineyards (30-35 hl/ha) and of course the wonderful climate help produce grapes
of exceptional quality. The red wines are produced traditionally using whole
bunches of grapes and extended maceration. They are then matured in oak for
between 12 and 18 months with 20 to 25% new barrels each year.
"Belle's
wines have gone from strength to strength, exhibiting rich, concentrated fruit,
an old vine intensity and fine ageing potential. There is an obvious commitment
to quality by both Albert and his son. The wines that have been produced sine
1990 have been among the finest of the appellation. The red wines are always
bottled unfiltered. Albert Belle is one of the bright, shining stars of Crozes
hermitage and this is an estate to follow." Robert Parker
Hermitage
1999
$57.99 limited
"Full ruby, no darker than the Louis Belle. Vibrant aromas of black cherry,
mocha and menthol, sweetened and lifted by oak. Very ripe but classic Hermitage
flavors of kirsch, cassis, licorice and baking chocolate. Very long and ripe on
the back end, with strong but thoroughly suave tannins. Considerably fresher
than the Louis Belle '99. Belle considers this his best Hermitage since '95, but
here the tannins are sweeter and finer than those of the earlier year. 92 Steve
Tanzer, International Wine Cellars 1/2-02
1998
$52.99 limited
"Good deep ruby, but no darker than the last wine. Pungent, perfumed aromas
of blueberry, minerals, leather, smoke and faint game. Surprisingly sweet and
lush on the palate; offers more breadth than the Louis Belle without any loss of
shape. Crunchy dark berries complicated by a note of licorice. Longer, more
powerful, more tannic than the above, but still quite fruit-driven. 91-92
Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellars 1/2-00
1997
$52.99 very limited
"Medium ruby. Exotic aromas of crystallized black raspberry, blueberry,
dark chocolate and sweet oak. Impressive volume in the mouth: dense, very ripe
and seamless. Pungently oaky flavors of cassis and minerals. Finishes with
persistent spiciness and solid tannins." 90 Steve Tanzer,
International Wine Cellars 1/2-00
1989
$86.99 very limited
Crozes
Hermitage cuvee Louis Belle
The premium cuvee from this highly regarded producer, Cuvee Louis Belle is made
from parcels of low yielding syrah grapes grown in the famous Larnage area.
2000
$24.99 available
"Full medium ruby. Laidback nose hints at black fruits and fresh blood;
less oaky today than the Pierrelles. Juicy and sinewy in the mouth, with more
density and concentration than the regular cuvee Tightly wound for a 2000.
Finishes with strong tarry oak and bitter chocolate notes. Aging in 30% new oak,
vs. 15% for the Pierrelles." Steve
Tanzer, International Wine Cellars 1/2-02
"Oaky style of Crozes, but it works. Good chocolate, mocha and smoke
aromas, followed by coffee, espresso, black currant and macadamia nut complexity
on the aftertaste. Supple and ripe tannins are massive, and need time. Best from
2003 through 2006." The Wine Spectator 12/15/02
1999
$24.99 limited
"Full ruby. Nuanced aromas of cassis, leather, espresso and brown spices.
Dense and structured and inky sweet flavors of black cherry and violet. There is
good stuffing here to buffer the tannins. 87-90 Steve
Tanzer, International Wine Cellars 1/2-02
"The old vine selection, the 1999 Crozes-Hermitage Cuvee Louis Belle, was
aged 12 months in oak barrels, of which 30% was new. It all emerges from the
hillside sector known as Larnage. There are nearly 4,000 cases of this
spectacular wine, which has more in common with Hermitage than Crozes-Hermitage.
A saturated ruby/purple color is followed by fabulous aromas of creme de cassis,
licorice, minerals, and spice. The wine is multilayered and full-bodied, with
superb purity as well as harmony. It can be drunk or cellared for 12-15 years.
This is the strongest line-up from Domaine Albert Belle that I have tasted.
Given the price, it represents a super bargain." 91 Robert Parker,
The Wine Advocate #140
Crozes Hermitage les Pierrelles
Les Pierrelles is produced in the commune of Pont de l'Isere from a 25 year old vineyard
with poor soils located below Hermitage. This 100% Syrah wine is relatively forward, with lovely textured tannin and
aromas of red fruits. Barrel aged in 25% new oak, the wine is bottled unfiltered
2000
$19.99 limited
"Medium ruby-red. Aromatic, sweetly oaky aromas of strawberry, cherry and
earth. Sweet and juicy but a bit dry-edged, with flavors of redcurrant, pepper,
leather, licorice and tobacco. Finishes with torrefaction notes of tar and
bitter chocolate." Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellars 1/2-02
Hermitage Blanc
The domain's white wines are produced from a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne,
fermented in stainless steel at low temperatures. 25% of the Crozes-Hermitage
and 50% of the Hermitage is matured in oak enhancing the full, ripe flavors and
attractive, complex aromas of the wines.
1999
$57.99 limited
1998
$52.99 very limited
1997
$31.99 limited
Crozes Hermitage Blanc
2000
$17.99 limited
Philippe & Albert
Belle
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