2015 Chateau Belair-Monange Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 1x750ml

Vinous 93+

The 2015 Belair-Monange has a strange bouquet at first, quite feral and animal, scents of smoked cigars and antique furniture permeating the red berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin, fresh and vibrant, well-knitted oak with good tension if a little conservative finish. It just needs to soften a little, lose some of its rigidity. I suspect this is not the best showing for what I maintain is a great Saint-Émilion. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting. [Neal Martin, 07/09/2019]

Robert Parker 98

This perhaps somewhat controversial marriage between the estates of Chateau Belair and Chateau Magdelaine—both Premier Grand Cru Classe Saint-Emilion estates—to form Chateau Belair Monange hits pay-dirt with this spectacular 2015 release. Composed of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Belair Monange has the most singular nose of grilled meats, smoked game, iron ore and fallen leaves over a slowly unfurling ripe fruit core of crushed black plums, blackberry preserves and cassis with fragrant touches of star anise and potpourri. Full-bodied, rich and opulent in the mouth, the palate reveals an arresting backbone of exquisitely ripe, very firm tannins and sparks of background acidity lifting and defining the rich, densely packed layers, culminating in an epically long and multifaceted finish. Possessing its own compellingly beautiful signature, this is a remarkably riveting wine that should not be missed. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 02/05/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2053