A racy and refined Bellefont with stone, chalk and salty character. Wet earth and green olives, too. Medium to full body with a core of pretty fruit and solid tannins that are fine and polished.
James Suckling (May 2022)Score: 93-94/100
The 2021 Bellefont-Belcier is done in a much more elegant style than in the past. That is a combination of the vintage and a new direction for the château. There's terrific freshness to be found in the red-fleshed fruit, but also less heft than in the past. I am not sure the true potential of this site is still fully known, but the ride to discovering it is going to be fascinating.
Antonio Galloni, Vinous (May 2022)Score: 90-92/100Drink 2028-2041
An excellent, structured and captivating Bellefont-Belcier in 2021 having been spared the frosts that ravaged many other estates. Sweet fragrant blackcurrants on the nose, so seductive with perfume and ever so faint bramble tones giving nuance. Smooth, silky, gorgeously textured. Really just a silky carpet of juicy, bright and fresh fruits. The acidity shines through brightly, zesty and lively while the refined tannins give a streamlined structure and support and the concentrated flavours that linger long on the tongue. Mouthwatering with clarity and drive. I like the hints of spice that come through also showing a well balanced touch of oak. Lots going on here - very impressive. Thomas Duclos consultant. A yield of 35hl/ha. 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon - a touch more than usual.
Georgie Hindle, Decanter (April 2022)Score: 94/100Drink 2026-2049
Spared by the April frosts, the 2021 Bellefont Belcier has turned out brilliantly, exhibiting aromas of sweet berries and cherries mingled with hints of orange zest and violets, framed by a deft touch of oak. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless, it's deep and elegant, with refined tannins, fine concentration and a penetrating finish. Impressively, this 2021 appears to surpass the estate's 2018 in quality!
William Kelley, Wine Advocate (April 2022)Score: 92-94/100
Takes its time, not pushing too hard, attractive construction that is gentle but with depth, coiled raspberry and redcurrant fruit that you can see will offer juicy drinking within a few years of bottling. Definitely works with the vintage not against it, and is successful.
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux (April 2022)Score: 93/100Drink 2026-2040
The 2021 Bellefont-Belcier has a ripe red cherry, cassis and licorice-tinged bouquet, perhaps less opulent than recent vintages, though I am still looking for a little more delineation and complexity given the site. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a light touch of chocolate and mint and plenty of red fruit on the finish. Give this 2–4 years in bottle.
Neal Martin, Vinous (April 2022)Score: 90-92/100Drink 2027-2042
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.
FINE+RARE (April 2022)
Bordeaux / France
En Primeur
2026-2049