The 2013 Belair-Monange has good depth for the year, although some rough edges remain, which is understandable considering the blend was finalized just two weeks before this tasting. Firm tannins support game, smoke, tobacco and dark red stone fruits. It will be interesting to see how the 2013 develops over the next year. There is an attractive juiciness, especially on the finish, that bodes well for the future.

Bright dark red. Flowers and sweet spices complement strawberry and blackcurrant on the captivating nose. At once big and juicy, showing good sweetness and texture to the red and dark berry flavors lifted by peppery acidity. The finish is long and minty, with a repeating violet note. Though this wine struck me as much lighter and less complex than recent vintages of Belair-Monange, I also think it's potentially the most noteworthy outperformer in the J-P Moueix stable this year, along with Lafleur-Petrus.