Appellations

Belair Monange 2011

St Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B

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Tasting Notes

It is amazing how things have turned around for this tiny jewel of a property adjacent to Chateau Ausone. Production has been cut back and the selection process has become deeply serious as just over 1,500 cases were produced in this vintage. The dense ruby/purple-colored 2011 offers gorgeous aromas of kirsch, crushed rock, raspberries and subtle oak are followed by a medium-bodied, concentrated mouthfeel that suggests low yields and impeccable winemaking. A star of the vintage, it should be forgotten for 4-5 years and drunk over the following two decades. (92+)

Score: 92 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2018-2038 Date: 01 April 2014

This dark ruby-colored, mineral-laced, elegant, medium-bodied 2011 Belair-Monange offers distinctive aromas of licorice and crushed chalk. Under the administration of Christian Moueix’s son, Edouard, it continues to possess a classic, mid-weight, fresh, vibrant style. This tends to be one of the more intellectual wines of Bordeaux, but the Moueixs are building more flesh, texture and character into it. The 2011 should drink well for 10-15 years.

Score: 88 - 90 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2027 Date: 30 April 2012

The 2011 Belair-Monange is a little more thrust on the nose compared to the more feminine Magdelaine. It offers a red fruit profile with floral aromas, the creamy oak a little more pronounced but not obfuscating the sense of terroir emanating from the glass. Over five minutes it attains wonderful cohesion and purity. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannins on the entry. It has a lovely balance with tensile tannins; poised and refined with a lovely build towards the finish that has good weight and sinew. All focus and finesse. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 91 - 93 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 30 April 2012

Vineyard encépagement: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Deep cherry red. Chocolate sweetness at first on the nose but there's sweet and fresh red fruit underneath. A little bit leafy on the palate, tannins very gentle. Not a great deal of depth but there's a soft richness to the tannins. (JH)

Score: 16 - 17 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2017-2025 Date: 24 April 2012

Deep colour. A little more depth and complexity than stablemate Magdelaine. Attractive fruit, with refined texture and tannins. Balanced. Progress again underlined.

Score: 17 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2018-2030 Date: 16 April 2012

Exhibits flavors of cassis, plum preserves and cherry pit, with spice notes that are focused and well-integrated. Underneath runs a beautiful chalky streak that lends a pleasant bitterness and extra length. A wine poised for some cellaring. Tasted non-blind.

Score: 92 - 95 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 11 April 2012

Very intense aromas of flowers and blueberries follow through to a full and dense palate yet compacted with a long pretty finish. Chocolate undertones as well.

Score: 91 - 92 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 April 2012