The 2012 Bélair-Monange brings together power and finesse in what is a very complete expression of Saint-Emilion. Beams of supporting tannins give the 2012 much of its energy. Red stone fruit, chalk, mint, spice and expressive floral notes are all nicely delineated. I expect the Bélair-Monange will drink better earlier than the other top wines in the Moueix stable. This is the first vintage that incorporates the Magdelaine vineyards, which were annexed in 2012. Bélair-Monange is now under the direction of Edouard Moueix, who lives on the property and seems determined to take the estate to the top of the hierarchy in Saint-Emilion. The 2012 is certainly a strong move in that direction.

Remarkably pure, sleek and refined, with a faint chalk thread perfectly embedded in the core of red currant, cherry and damson plum fruit. Very sleek, with refined tannins and impressive length, this is balanced to a T. A wine of distinction that seems destined to improve as the remaining limestone portions of the vineyard are replanted. This is also the first vintage that includes the portions from the former Magdelaine estate.

Aromas of licorice, black currants, kirsch, lavender, truffles and crushed chalk are present in the stunningly intense and precise aromatics. Medium to full-bodied and dense ruby/purple-hued with rich, flowing fruit and glycerin, the wine cascades over the palate with no hard edges. A superstar of the vintage, it should drink well for 20-25 years. Only 1,300 cases of this wine are made despite the incorporation of what used to be the St.-Emilion classified growth estate, Chateau Magdelaine (also owned by the Jean-Pierre Moueix family). Belair-Monange has come of age and since Christian Moueix’s son, Edouard, has made it his residence and assumed the responsibility of making it one of the key superstars of the Right Bank. The vineyard, situated next to Ausone, has always had fabulous potential, but it was rarely realized under the previous administration. About 50% new oak is used for this cuvee, which is largely Merlot with some very old vine Cabernet Franc (planted in the early 1900s). Two-thirds of the vineyard sits on pure limestone and the other third is on clay over limestone. Drink: 2013 - 2038 -Wine Advocate #206 Apr 2013

A young wine with lots of mineral, blueberries and subtle spices on the palate. Solid core of fruit with very refined tannins and a bright, fresh acidity. Almost chalky character to it with citrus rind undertone. Racy.

Fresh and fragrant nose; fresh, finely tannic, elegant, a very nice concentration without excess here; a sweet and vital core fruit, quite rich and fleshy for the limestone plateau, long, complex and gently minerally to taste, long and aromatic to finish. Fine medium to long term Belair. 2018-30 years. [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2013]

Punchy, intense blackcurrant and blueberry fruit but framed in a glossy, well-polished structure. Nicely balanced and fresh, it’s all in harmony. A pretty slick effort.

The Belair-Monange has a very opulent bouquet with copious red berry fruit, incense, kirsch and a touch of orange blossom that is well-defined, quite modern in style. The palate is medium-bodied with a velvety smooth entry and here I prefer the style of this Saint Emilion. It is very silky in texture, very harmonious, tensile and full of nervosité towards the finish. Very fine. Tasted April 2013.

Ruby-red. Expressive nose combines red plum, black cherry, mocha, flowers and cinnamon. Sweet and silky on the palate, with lovely inner-mouth complexity to the spicy red and dark fruit flavors. The creamy finish features assertive yet polished tannins that hit the palate very late. This struck me as having a great deal more finesse and charm than usual, perhaps due to the contribution of Magdelaine to the Belair component (Magdelaine was merged with Belair-Monange by owner J. P. Moueix in 2012).

Drink 2016-2023 Deep cherry red. Lifted pure fruit, both red and black. Aromatic and fresh. Leafily scented on the palate, then just a little too smooth on the palate, tannins almost too gentle. But refined and harmonious, lacking a little in what I think of as the classic/classy austerity of Moueix. Still delicious and good depth of gentle fruit in the middle, and sustained. (JH)