A sleeper of the vintage, the opaque purple-colored 2001 (a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and 20% Petit Verdot) reveals terrific notes of plums, black currants, smoke, licorice, and camphor. The wine is medium-bodied, with sweet tannin, and a long, concentrated finish. This is an estate that needs to be taken seriously. An intriguing aspect to Belle-Vue is the high percentage of Petit Verdot used in the final blend, 20% in 2001 and 12% in 2000. The wine is aged on the lees and bottled unfiltered. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2012. (RP 87-91 points)