2021 Bellefont Belcier
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Tasting notes
In the estate’s first full year farming organically, Ch. Bellefont-Belcier was among the last to pick in Saint-Emilion, harvesting as late as 18th October. Taking advantage of the sunny days and cool nights from mid-September onwards enabled the grapes to reach full phenolic maturity allowing the estate to harvest each parcel at optimal ripeness. The 2021 shows wonderful aromatics of crunchy, dark fruit on the nose with hints of cassis and spice. The wine is of medium body has a quite striking concentration, but retains refined balance on the palate. There’s a saline quality that gently fades into a long finish. Blend: 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Thick and a bit dead on the palate but flattering enough. Inky finish. But some persistence. (JR)
Checking in as a blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Château Bellefont-Belcier is another pure, elegant, seamless wine in the vintage that shines for its purity. Ripe strawberries, subtle blue fruits, sappy flowers, and a beautiful sense of minerality all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a supple, layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length. Tasted multiple times with consistent results. This estate continues to produce impeccable wines in every vintage.
The 2021 Bellefont-Belcier has a strong licorice scent on the nose that is a little too "vocal" for my liking, though it displays decent delineation. A second bottle feels volatile and finally a third—more composed! The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, finely tuned with moderate depth. It feels a little attenuated on the finish but, given the clarity, it should drink well for up to 15 years.
About the producer
The history of the estate dates back to the 17th century, but the estate acquired its current name from Count Louis-Francois de Belcier who took ownership of the property at the end of the 18th century.