1998 Belair
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Tasting notes
Excruciatingly tannic, this dark plum-colored wine has notes of earth, mineral, and a vague hint of cherries. Some dried herbs also make an appearance. In the mouth the wine is shallow, tannic, and. for my palate, unappealing. The tannins seems entirely disproportionately high for the amount of concentration and extract. No doubt its creator, Pascal Delbeck, would suggest that I had confused thinness with the purity of expression of Belair's terroir. Last tasted, 1/03.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Good ruby-red color. Distinctly cool minty, floral nose hints at cabernet franc leafiness. Good texture and decent sweetness, but the slightly medicinal bitter cherry flavor shows a strong greenness and a dry edge, giving an impression of modest ripeness. Solid acid and tannin structure. Slight finishing dryness. Lacks charm.
About the producer
Château Bélair-Monange sits at the highest point of Saint-Émilion neighbouring Château Ausone. The steep slope vineyards offers some of the most beautiful vistas overlooking the historic town of Saint-Émilion.