2012 Château Bélair-Monange, St Emilion, Bordeaux

Aromas of licorice, black currants, kirsch, lavender, truffles and crushed chalk are present in the stunningly intense and precise aromatics. Medium to full-bodied and dense ruby/purple-hued with rich, flowing fruit and glycerin, the wine cascades over the palate with no hard edges. A superstar of the vintage, it should drink well for 20-25 years. Only 1,300 cases of this wine are made despite the incorporation of what used to be the St.-Emilion classified growth estate, Chateau Magdelaine (also owned by the Jean-Pierre Moueix family). Belair-Monange has come of age and since Christian Moueix’s son, Edouard, has made it his residence and assumed the responsibility of making it one of the key superstars of the Right Bank. The vineyard, situated next to Ausone, has always had fabulous potential, but it was rarely realized under the previous administration. About 50% new oak is used for this cuvee, which is largely Merlot with some very old vine Cabernet Franc (planted in the early 1900s). Two-thirds of the vineyard sits on pure limestone and the other third is on clay over limestone. robert_parker - Wine Advocate - Apr 2013

First vintage incorporating (a parcel of) Magdelaine. Continues the trend towards a riper, broader style. Round and plush but with a fresh, dry finish.

Deep cherry red. Lifted pure fruit, both red and black. Aromatic and fresh. Leafily scented on the palate, then just a little too smooth on the palate, tannins almost too gentle. But refined and harmonious, lacking a little in what I think of as the classic/classy austerity of Moueix. Still delicious and good depth of gentle fruit in the middle, and sustained. julia_harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 29 Apr 2013