CHATEAU BELAIR-MONANGE 1er Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion 2016 Bottle

Description

Chateau Belair Monange 2016 is a concentrated, refined Saint Emillion that marries Merlot richness with Cabernet Franc freshness. Deep ruby with a purple rim, it offers black cherry, Morello cherry and ripe plum lifted by violet and crushed rose petal; cedar, black tea and pencil shavings add savoury complexity while graphite minerality gives focus. Full bodied with plush yet controlled texture, smooth ripe tannins and bright acidity, the palate delivers blackcurrant, damson, olive tapenade and mocha, finishing long, saline and mineral. Approachable with decanting yet cellar worthy. Drink 2026 to 2038. Critics: James Suckling 99 ; "Fantastic precision and elegance." Decanter 97 ; "Expressive, vibrant and thrilling." Vinous 97 ; "Captivating perfume and superlative persistence."

On the palate the wine is full bodied with a plush yet controlled texture. Smooth ripe tannins provide support without aggressiveness and are complemented by bright acidity that keeps the fruit lively. Primary dark fruit of blackcurrant, plum and damson is layered with savoury elements of olive tapenade, cured meat and a touch of soy reduction. Gentle baking spice, mocha and a faint cocoa bitterness emerge on the mid palate, adding depth and tension. The finish is long and saline, with lingering notes of dried herb, cedar and iron edged minerality that speak of terroir.

The 2016 vintage in Bordeaux combined warm ripening conditions with cool nights, producing grapes with excellent phenolic ripeness and aromatic clarity. At Belair Monange the result is a wine that shows ripe generosity without losing precision or freshness. The vineyard selection and meticulous élevage in French oak have preserved varietal purity while adding subtle structure.