Klassifiziering | Cru Classe |
Typ | Rotwein |
Marke | Chateau Bellefont Belcier |
Jahrgang | 2018 |
Land | Frankreich |
Region | Bordeaux, St. Emilion |
Traube | Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux Blend |
Inhalt | 0,75 |
Preis pro Liter | 63,39 € |
Zustand | Perfekt |
Label | Perfekt |
Trinkbar | 2025-2050 |
Vorrat | 55 |
Impressive linearity and salinity. For once, I notice the winemaking, with greater fruit purity such as juicy plum and ripe blackberry. Gone is the drying finish of noticeable oak tannin from earlier vintages. 'In 15 years, this wine will be praised by all for its precision and freshness,' says estate consultant, Thomas Duclos. It is already lovely. Picking began on 20 September, much earlier in comparison to a previous solar year such as 2015 which saw no picking at all in September. Long finish. Enjoy with seared duck with mushrooms and roasted potatoes.
I continue to love this Saint-Emilion, which hails from a 12.5-hectare vineyard located just beside Larcis Ducasse, on the Côte Pavie hillside. Based on 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Château Bellefont-Belcier's deep purple hue is followed by a ripe, medium to full-bodied 2018 with loads of blueberry and currant bud-like fruits as well as notes of leafy tobacco, spring flowers, truffle, and earth. Nicely textured, with fine, polished tannins and solid depth of fruit, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve for 25 years or more. It doesn't quite have the depth or density I remember from barrel, but it's still a beautiful wine.
Intense aromas and flavors of blue fruit and violets. Hints of green tea and black olives. Changes all the time. Medium-to full-bodied with polished and very silky tannins. Love the center palate. The finish lasts for minutes. This year, about one-third cabernet franc gives an edge to the merlot and the touch of cabernet sauvignon.
Barrel sample. Darkest cherry red. Ripe dark-red fruit and damsons on the nose. Firm tannins but juicy at the core. OK but not a standout.
The 2018 Bellefont-Belcier is superb. Expressive floral and savory top notes play off a core of inky dark fruit in a potent, heady Saint-Émilion loaded with character. Rose petal, lavender, spice and inky red/purplish fruit all open in the glass. The brooding tannins that once penalized this wine have been replaced by a great sense of finesse, and 2018 was just the first vintage. There is plenty to look forward to in future years.
A blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Bellefont Belcier has a deep garnet-purple color and classic notes of warm plums, blackberry preserves and cedar chest, plus wafts of lavender, clove oil and chocolate box. The medium to full-bodied palate is impressively well-poised with soft, rounded tannins and just enough freshness supporting the juicy black fruits, finishing with a bright, cheery skip in its step. Lots to love here!