Annonce de Bélair-Monange, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 0.75 2016

Region : Bordeaux       Château Bélair, which traces its origins back to Roman times, has long been considered one of the region’s very best crus. Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix purchased the iconic Château in 2008 and renamed it Château Bélair-Monange. The name ‘Monange,’ in addition to its literal translation, ‘my angel,’ was the maiden name of Jean-Pierre Moueix’s mother, Anne-Adèle, the first Moueix woman to call Saint-Émilion her home. Château Bélair-Monange combines the terroirs of the most privileged sites of the appellation: the limestone from the central plateau parcels, situated at the highest point of Saint-Émilion, offers freshness, minerality, and delicate, lingering aromatics, while the dense, blue clay of the south slopes provides intensity, length, and a unique elegance to the wines.       Grape varieties : Merlot & Cabernet Franc       Tasting notes :        Mineral black fruit on the nose, spiced, ripe, intense, some ripe plum fruit too, but definitely not opulent leading to a palate of ripe black fruits, smooth on entry, supple with huge yet very ripe tannins behind, lovely finesse and elegance. Great poise going to a fabulously long, evolving, ripe finish. Wow. Starts quietly and builds to a finale. "It's hard to believe that this is a second wine and it would certainly stand up confidently against many grand vins, even in this excellent quality vintage. More serious than the 2015, it has more depth to its dark fruits with swirls of liquorice and smoke adding interest to the finish. I would give it a few years before opening - although it tasted great when this same bottle was tried again after 48 hours - and it has real potential for ageing. The definition of an insider wine and definitely worth getting hold of. 30% new oak. Drink 2021 - 2027" Jane Anson, Decanter.com

France