In Bond Fine Wine. 2020 Château Belair Monange, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France. Premier Grand Cru Classé B • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 98/100 (AG). Drinking window: 2027–2052. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Perched high on the famed limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, neighbouring the legendary Ausone, Chateau Belair Monange has long been regarded as one of the appellation’s great terroirs. Since its acquisition by Ets Jean-Pierre Moueix in 2008, the estate has undergone a remarkable transformation, with meticulous attention in both vineyard and cellar allowing this exceptional site to fully realise its immense potential. Today, Château Bélair-Monange stands among the leading lights of Saint-Émilion, with recent vintages rated highly by leading critics. The vineyard’s extraordinary terroir - asteriated limestone plateau, blue clay slopes and sun-drenched south-facing terraces overlooking the Dordogne valley - give Bélair-Monange its unmistakable character: wines of striking minerality, finesse and depth, combining richness and power with seamless tannins and remarkable freshness.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 96–98/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 25/05/2021
A quintessential Saint-Emilion, the 2020 Chateau Belair-Monange reveals a dense purple/plum color as well as classic Saint-Emilion minerality that covers lots of ripe black fruits, graphite, tobacco, and violet aromas and flavors. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and concentrated, you could almost eat it with a fork and yet it still stays light on its feet, has building, polished tannins, and a great…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 98/100 · Vinous, 23/02/2023 · Drink 2028-2060
The 2020 B'lair-Monange is tremendous. What a wine. It is easily the best effort since the Mouiex family bought the property. Rich, ample and dramatic, B'lair-Monange saturates the palate with waves of inky dark red fruit. Sweet floral, espresso and spice notes appear later, adding shades of nuance. Clean mineral notes extend the finish effortlessly. A wine of exotic beauty and allure, B'lair-Mon…
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (LPB) — 95–97/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 20/05/2021 · Drink 2027 - 2052
The 2020 Belair Monange displays an opaque purple-black color, unfurling slowly to reveal a nose of blueberry preserves, stewed plums and Morello cherries, giving way to a fragrant undercurrent of Chinese five spice, incense and dried rose petals, plus hints of fallen leaves, Sichuan pepper and oolong tea. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers a fantastically plush texture with mouth-coating…