CHÂTEAU BELLEFONT-BELCIER

Bellefont-Belcier is deliciously suave in 2020 with remarkably controlled, sotto voce fruit and a terrifically long and even finish. The oak is virtually imperceptible here given that it is perfectly balanced by the bright mulberry and plum fruit and also the mouth-watering freshness of acidity on the finish. The tannins are ultra-fine and they will make this a longlived wine but there is ample fresh fruit on the palate, too, which will make this a wine that could be approached early if you are particularly keen to take a peek. Rating: 18+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2021)

The 2020 Bellefont-Belcier is a dark, brooding beauty. Intense red-toned fruit graphite, leather, cedar and incense give the 2020 layers of aromatic dimension. More than anything else I am impressed by how well the potent tannins are integrated. Bellefont-Belcier is still a powerful wine, but not the behemoth of years past. Sweet floral notes and red toned fruit perk up the mineral-laced persistent finish. The 2020 is bit tight, but also super-promising. Drinking range: 2028 - 2040 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jun 2021)

The 2020 Bellefont-Belcier was picked from September 15 to October 9 at 37hl/ha and matured in 30% new oak, 20% oval foudres. It has a ripe bouquet of blackberry and raspberry fruit, plus touches of plum jam and subtle undergrowth, almost mulch-like scents. The palate is fleshy and open on the entry, framed by distinctly malleable tannins and a plush yet controlled finish with a dash of white pepper and sage. I suspect that this Saint-Émilion will drink earlier than its peers, yet it has the substance to give up to 15, possibly 20 years of drinking pleasure. Drinking range: 2027 - 2050 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2021)

A rocking wine based on 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Château Bellefont-Belcier sports a dense purple color as well as gorgeous black cherry and currant fruits, classic chalky Saint-Emilion minerality, violets, and camphor notes. A rich, medium to full-bodied Saint-Emilion, it's concentrated, with ripe tannins and a great finish. This ripe, sexy, yet still classic Saint-Emilion will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and have 20-25 years of longevity. Rating: 93-95 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (May 2021)

The 2020 Bellefont Belcier displays a deep purple black color, opening with fragrant notions of chocolate-covered cherries, red roses and menthol, giving way to a core of stewed plums, blackberry pie and hoisin, with a waft of anise. The medium to full-bodied palate has a solid backbone of finely grained tannins and bold freshness supporting the intense, tightly wound black fruit and earthy layers, finishing long and spicy. The blend this year is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with an alcohol of 14.5% and a pH of 3.65. The wine is aging in French oak barriques, 30% new. Drinking range: 2024 - 2039 Rating: 91-93 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com (May 2021)

Sappy, deeply fruited, blackberry and bilberry with subtle juice and smoke running through it. Very much back on the right road for this estate under the Peter Kwok team, with Jean-Christophe Meyrou director and the excellent Jerome Aguirre as winemaker. The toasted black coffee finish is well judged, adding to the savoury and enjoyable feel. 30% new oak. A yield of 37hl/ha, 3.65pH. Drinking range: 2027 - 2040 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

A very sophisticated, layered red with dark-plum, chocolate and walnut character. It’s full and flavorful with a cashmere-like texture. Flavorful at the end. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2021)