2018 Saint-Émilion, Château Bellefont-Belcier
About Producer
Created in the 18th century, Bellefont-Belcier is located on the southern slopes of Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, in Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. The 13.5ha single-block vineyard is divided in 3 distinct sections, the limestone plateau, the south-facing clay-limestone slopes and the clayey-sandy parcels at the footslope, near the actual château. Neighbouring estates are Pavie, Larcis-Ducasse and Tertre-Roteboeuf. Following their acquisition of the property in 2017, Vignobles K rolled out extensive renovation and modernisation works. Under the aegis of the new owners and with Jean-Christophe Meyrou as general manager-winemaker and Thomas Duclos as consultant oenologist, this estate has gone from strength to strength, with the aim to rise to further heights in the near future.
Varietals
Blend of 70% merlot, 25% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon. Aged in 30% new oak barrels.
About Appellation
Saint-Émilion and its vineyards that cover 5,331ha of vines were listed in 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Archeological evidence suggests that vines were planted here in Roman times. From a geological angle, the appellation can be divided in three sections. Close to the town, the limestone plateau sits on chalky and clayey siliceous soils. The northwest corner, that continues westwards into Pomerol, has a sandy layer on top of clay-like soils. Totalling 1,171ha, these two first sections are home to the finest estates of the appellation. The third section is the area south of the limestone plateau towards the Dordogne river that lies on sandy soils with alluvial gravel deposits. Across the appellation, merlot reigns supreme with cabernet franc playing a supporting role.
Tasting Notes
Alluring nose of black cherry, dark berries, plum, crushed stones, floral scents and forest floor, dense and rich mouthfeel with velvety texture, superb concentration and impressive depth, oodles of multilayered flavours of black fruits, dark chocolate, baking spices, truffle and underbrush liberally laced with nice mineral undertones, refreshing acidity and fine-grained tannins carrying through a long, savoury finish. This is a splendid wine with remarkable poise, impeccable balance and irresistible grace. While the 2015, tasted alongside this bottle, is excellent and provides ample intellectual delight, I am particularly thrilled by the captivating sensory pleasure exuding from this luscious 2018 and its stylish display of hedonistic character from start to finish. Though still in its infancy, it’s already lovely to drink, and will develop more complexity with further cellaring. (09/2021)