Description
96 / 100
Neal Martin, Vinous
The 2017 Bélair-Monange was so impressive out of barrel and now in bottle, I see no reason to alter my appreciation. It has a very intense bouquet, one that is reassuringly complex, especially in context of what was a rather ordinary growing season with copious red cherries, boysenberry, hints of iodine and a light terracotta scent. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are surprisingly rigid at the moment, suggesting that this will be a long term Saint-Émilion. There is a beguiling sense of symmetry, very mineral-driven towards the finish that has impressive sapidity. This comes highly recommended although it deserves five or six years in bottle. Bravo Christian and Edouard Moueix.
Chateau Belair is now owned by the Moueix family, and has had a new name since the 2008 vintage. This is one of the best vineyards in Saint Emilion, perched at the top of the slope right next to Ausone, near Canon and above Angelus. Despite the brilliant terroir, the wine-making here had been mediocre for many years until the Moueix purchase. It is clear that Edouard Moueix is going to transform this Chateau into one of the stars of Saint Emilion. The vineyard is planted with 88% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and the yield is miniscule as some of the vines are 100 years old and there are many gaps to be filled. Of the 23.5 hectares only 14 are currently in production. A second wine "Annonce" is now produced from the younger vines.
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