Annonce de Belair-Monange, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Dusty nose. Very tannic. Some fruit. Underwhelming.

Merlot-dominated, attractive, high quality, strawberry fruit, especially on days two and three, when the fresh strawberry becomes more ‘compote’ and more on the back of the palate. I am guessing these are young vines (a lot of the Delbeck era old vines were ripped up after the Moueix takeover) because this is the second wine, but maybe there is some significant Magdelaine content here too? Still quite primary but impressive precision here and developing complexity with the famous Belair limestone …

Bordeaux trip with friends, Jan-Feb 2025; 1/30/2025-2/2/2025 (Bordeaux, St.Emilion) : Beautiful nose of red cherries and cranberries. On the palate you feel the significally difference between 2016 and the vintages 2018 and following. There is a powerful grip of the tannins on the palate, but the wine is very drinkable though. Fresh, vibrating, not much complexity there but a very good 2nd wine that is surprisingly drinkable at the moment...91-92

A really lovely showing of ripe red fruits, with layers of cherry, raspberry, and hints of strawberry compote. The tannins are still firm and slightly unresolved, lending structure and suggesting a long aging potential. After about 2 hours in the decanter, the wine began to open up adding complexity to the vibrant fruit profile. With time, I suspect this will soften and evolve beautifully over the next 3–5 years, offering a more integrated and harmonious expression.

Theres really no reason to not reach for this if you have it. Still on the elegant side of the style, but pretty polished and ready to delight. A mouthful of good wine that should not be over aged....Drink over next 3 years

Medium-bodied, soft, fresh, fruity, and forward, this is going to be delicious on release with all of its upfront, sweet, ripe cherries, chocolate, and plums. Produced from 98% Merlot, with 2% Cabernet Franc, this is the second wine of Belair Monange. Drink from 2026-2036. 90-92 Pts.

89-91 Punkte. Rotfruchtig und mit kühlem Kamin und Rosentee im Duft, knackiger Gaumen, würzig, mit wohldosiertem Tannin und guter Länge. Charmant. (En Primeur Tasting April 2024)

Drinking well now and I think good value. Could still benefit from more age. Earthy rocky and more red berries than black.

Definitely on the lighter side of the Saint Emilion spectrum of wines, showing more freshness and class without any over extraction intent. Classy, and full of bright red berries with hints of licorice and graphite. A very persistent and long pull on the finish with a kiss of chocolate from the oak making a debut as the wine make its final exit. Very nice glimpse into the grand vin and the target for making fresh and classy wines from Merlot. …

Aiolos Bordeaux tasting (Aiolos HQ) : 90% merlot 10% cabernet franc, 14.50% Full on ripe fruit in the nose, cherry, berry, currant, very smooth in the nose, a touch liquer, fruit in alcohol, sweet spices, dense, welcoming Palate smooth, balanced, nice fruit, more earthy and spicy, silky tannins, the oak is slightly too much (but it will come together), very youthful, still almost sweet, tight medium finish, needs time

Tested prior to providing for special event. Lovely, very soft and smooth, one member said smelt like blackberry crumble. A very good value wine.