2023 Bellefont Belcier
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Tasting notes
This was a standout in the range from Vignobles K this year. The aromatics are expressive – with profound iris and bright, blueberry fruit. The palate is mouth-wateringly fresh, packed full of juicy fruit, the 14.5% alcohol effortlessly integrated. There’s such mineral purity to the wine, with delicately structured tannins, sweet fruit and scented, crystallised florals on the long finish. Aged in 30% new oak, with 14.5% alcohol and 3.56pH. Blend: 72% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
With roughly 4,960 cases produced, the 2023 Château Bellefont-Belcier comes from a brilliant terroir just beside Larcis Ducasse and Pavie (as well as Troplong Mondot and Tertre Roteboeuf). Based on 72% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and brought up 15 months in 30% new French oak, 30% ovoid wooden vats, and 40% in used barrels, it sports a dense purple hue as well as awesome aromatics of black cherries, graphite, roasted herbs, and chocolate. It picks up more floral notes with air and is medium to full-bodied, pure, graceful, and beautifully balanced, with a ripe, seamless mouthfeel. It's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and pretty much knock your socks off over the following two decades. Drink 2029-2049.
The 2023 Bellefont-Belcier is redolent of black cherry, graphite, chocolate, new leather, incense, licorice and espresso. The 2023 offers a compelling mix of Saint-Émilion power and the more finessed tannins the estate is increasingly pursuing. I am very curious to see how the 2023 develops in the coming years. There's a good bit of potential here. Tasted two times.
The 2023 Bellefont-Belcier does not quite fire out of the blocks, quite "rigid" aromatics with blackberry and loamy aromas. I would just like more nuance and energy. The palate is smooth and sweet, fine tannins and a keen line of acidity. There is dark chocolate on the finish that partially obscures the black fruit, but I like the pepperiness on the finish. Fine, but deserves time in bottle.
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.