2008 Château Belair-Monange
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Tasting notes
The first vintage for Christian and Edouard Moueix, the 2008 Château Belair-Monange comes from tiny yields of 12 hectoliters per hectare and was brought up all in barrel. It’s still youthfully ruby hued with no signs of bricking and has a terrific nose of ripe red and black fruits, white truffles, underbrush, and iron. This carries to a medium to full-bodied Saint-Emilion with a pure, rounded mouthfeel, supple yet still present tannins, and outstanding length. It’s certainly mature and in its prime drinking window yet has another 15-20 years of life ahead of it. It doesn’t match what’s regularly achieved by this estate today, yet it’s nevertheless a beautifully complex, nuanced, powerful Saint Emilion with tons to love.
Critic scores
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Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
Very traditional nose with all the leather and aniseed notes of maturing bordeaux – a great example of the classic claret flavour set. Appetising structure with ample fruit concentration, refreshing acidity and rounded tannic feel. (RH)
The 2008 Bélair-Monange was the first vintage where Christian Moueix had total control of the vineyard after his acquisition of the historic property. It has a crisp red cherry and crushed strawberry nose that perhaps needs more intensity. It feels airy, almost Burgundian in style. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple, quite fleshy opening. There is good body here, belying the structure underneath although I discerned a touch of greenness on the finish. Moueix’s tenure has produced better Belair’s than the 2008 and I would consume bottles over the next four to five years. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.)
The Pascal Delbeck property that used to be just Belair but has been rechristened by the Moueixs. Tea-leaf aromas. Quite dense and with some raciness and lots of juice. Mild and low key. (JR)
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.