The Ace of Bells 2022
The Ace of Bells
Malbec
The Ace of Bells
Blackberry with cedarwood flavor.
In the glass, L'AS Rouge appears dense and deep red, almost inky, with a violet shimmer at the rim – like velvet under tension. This is no shrinking violet in a suit, but a Bordeaux that makes it clear from the moment it's poured: Here comes substance, not just style.
The nose is full of dark forest fruits – blackberry, black plum, and a hint of cassis. Alongside, smoky oak, a splash of espresso, and a pinch of cedarwood. Earthy undertones shimmer through – like a wet forest floor after a summer storm. Not opulent, but rather focused depth.
Dense, juicy, with substantial pressure on the palate. The fruit remains dark, almost mysterious. Fine-grained tannins provide structure, while the acidity keeps the whole under tension. The finish lingers like a conversation that stays with you – with cedar spice and fine dark chocolate.
This cuvée of Malbec and Merlot comes from the gravelly soils around Blaye, where the proximity to the Atlantic provides freshness. The wine matures partly in wood and partly in stainless steel tanks, which gives it character without being overbearing. Power meets control – not a show of strength, but muscle with brains.
Family Bordeaux with the river wind at its back since 1920.
Château Haut-Grelot did not start out as a grand estate, but as a small farm in the hamlet of Les Grelots (German: the bells - also visible on today's label). In the 1920s, Julien's great-grandfather and grandfather grew wine and raised cattle alongside it. In 1927, the crucial puzzle piece was added: their own well, which connected everything. In 1975, Joël Bonneau, Julien's father, took over, switched entirely to viticulture, and opened the door to direct sales in 1981. The idea behind it is simple: wine should regain a face and a conversation.
Today, Julien Bonneau and his sister Céline run the estate in the fourth generation. Approximately 67 hectares, of which about 25 hectares are white and 42 hectares are red. The grape variety palette ranges from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. In the cellar, modern equipment meets a deliberately artisanal approach. Julien likes to speak of a balance between innovation and tradition. Technology is a means to an end, not the style.
Precise work is done in the vineyard: debudding, leaf removal, green harvesting, intentionally keeping yields low. This way, the grapes hang more loosely, get more sun and air, and ripen more calmly.
The terroir plays like a two-part harmony. Close to the Gironde estuary: sandy-gravelly slopes for juice and energy. Further inland: sandy-clay-loamy soils that add structure. The result: aromatic, fine white wines and fruity, powerful red wines with silky tannins. Bordeaux, but with more river wind at its back.
Other wines from the winery
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Drink to see
2023
Château Haut-Grelot, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux#intensiveFresh, tangy, and juicy.14,75 €19,67 € / L14,75 €19,67 € / L -
The Ace of Bells
2022
Château Haut-Grelot, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux#intensiveDense, aromatic, and rustic.19,75 €26,33 € / L19,75 €26,33 € / L -
First Cuvée
2024
Château Haut-Grelot, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux#sparklingCrisp, mineral, and finely structured9,50 €12,67 € / L9,50 €12,67 € / L -
The Ace of Bells
2023
Château Haut-Grelot, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux#intensiveDense, aromatic, and rustic.19,75 €26,33 € / L19,75 €26,33 € / L -
Cuvée Selection Red
2022
Château Haut-Grelot, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux#intensiveSucculent, polished, and candid.12,75 €17,00 € / L12,75 €17,00 € / L -
The CHATEAU HAUT-GRELOT Taster Pack
Château Haut-Grelot, Bordeaux#bestofbordeaux6x Premium wine from Bordeaux.Discover down-to-earth Bordeaux wines.69,00 €79,00 €15,33 € / L69,00 €79,00 €15,33 € / L
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The Ace of Bells
2022
Blackberry with cedarwood flavor.
In the glass, L'AS Rouge appears dense and deep red, almost inky, with a violet shimmer at the rim – like velvet under tension. This is no shrinking violet in a suit, but a Bordeaux that makes it clear from the moment it's poured: Here comes substance, not just style.
The nose is full of dark forest fruits – blackberry, black plum, and a hint of cassis. Alongside, smoky oak, a splash of espresso, and a pinch of cedarwood. Earthy undertones shimmer through – like a wet forest floor after a summer storm. Not opulent, but rather focused depth.
Dense, juicy, with substantial pressure on the palate. The fruit remains dark, almost mysterious. Fine-grained tannins provide structure, while the acidity keeps the whole under tension. The finish lingers like a conversation that stays with you – with cedar spice and fine dark chocolate.
This cuvée of Malbec and Merlot comes from the gravelly soils around Blaye, where the proximity to the Atlantic provides freshness. The wine matures partly in wood and partly in stainless steel tanks, which gives it character without being overbearing. Power meets control – not a show of strength, but muscle with brains.