The first substantial and reassuringly great Belair-Monange in many decades, the 2008 represents the epitome of elegance and minerality. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by sweet red and black fruits intermixed with notes of spring flowers and crushed rocks, a layered mouthfeel, superb nobility and remarkable intensity offered in a finesse-filled format. Kudos to Edmond and Christian Moueix for their resurrection of this iconic 6.2 acre vineyard.

Bright red-ruby. Fresh, mineral-driven aromas of bitter cherry, redcurrant, flowers and rose petal. Quite soil-driven and suave, with a light touch and good spicy lift to the intense mineral and red berry flavors. Sweet, pliant and rich, but at the same time youthful and suave, with a late hint of orange peel on the long, refined aftertaste. As of 2008, the old Belair property, planted on limestone next to Ausone, is solely owned by J.P. Moueix (essentially Christian Moueix and his son Edouard), and this is the first vintage bottled under the new name.

Medium red. Initially slightly candied red cherry nose opens to reveal pretty violet, chocolate and blackcurrant aromas. Fatter and livelier on the palate, where the wine's bright acids give the black and red fruit flavors a youthfully hard feel. Finishes long and distinctly minerally: this will need at least a few years in the cellar. This is the new name of Chateau Belair, now owned by J. P. Moueix. Christian Moueix appended the last name of his grandmother in order to avoid confusion with the many Belair properties found all over France. Mon ange is also a name with religious connotations, like Petrus and Hosanna.)

En primeur barrel sample. Formerly known as simply Belair, this has a bouquet that really draws you in: reticent at first and then gradually revealing sandalwood, chestnut, smoke and dried blood. The palate is medium-bodied, very well interwoven oak with good acidity. Very harmonious, this is not unlike La Serre although it is a little dry and foursquare towards the finish. It will be interesting to plot its progress after bottling. Tasted April 2009.