Chateau Belair-Monange 2024

WEINWISSER: "verführerisches Parfüm, zarter Irisduft, frischer Schattenmorellensaft und gehackter Thymian. Im zweiten Ansatz Orangenzeste, roter Johannisbeernektar und Himbeermark. Am sublimen (reinen) Gaumen mit seidiger Textur, engmaschigem Tanningerüst, tänzerischer Rasse und perfekt trainiertem Körper. Im konzentrierten, langanhaltenden Finale ein Korb mit roten Kirschen, Sandelholz und royaler Adstringenz. Alles ist am richtigen Platz. Für mich auf demselben Niveau wie 2020 und 2019."

VINUM: "Mittelkräftiges Rubinrot; feinduftige Nase, das Holz ist präsent, jedoch nicht aufdringlich, Veilchenblüten, Kirschen, Cassis, zitrische Noten, verspielt und gleichzeitig tiefgründig; seidenweich im Auftakt, samtene Tannine umgarnen die Frucht, vollmundig ohne schwer zu sein, sehr feine Säure; grosser Spannungsbogen, ausgesprochen langer Abgang. Dieser Wein zeigt eine wunderbare Harmonie, könnte sich mit dem Ausbau zu einem der schönsten Weine des rechten Ufers entwickeln."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Balanced and refined, showing blackberries, dark chocolate and dark plums that follow through to a medium body with integrated tannins and a savory finish. Real elegance and subtle length. A blend of 98% merlot and 2% cabernet franc."

DECANTER: "Floral and lifted but vibrant too, richly scented, dark black bramble fruit with sweet red cherries, strawberries, vanilla and cinnamon. Smooth and silky, this is juicy and bright, immediately arresting with clean cherry flavours and lots of blueberry, cola and wet stones bringing the salinity and minerality. Fruit forward, upfront, mouthwatering with super fine tannins, barely there - this is really well presented. On the serious side in terms of the spice right now, but this will be excellent in time. Lots of character. Supple, fun, expressive, fragrant, lifted, clean, focussed and refined. A great effort this vintage. Terroir nuance and plenty of kick! They didn't hold back and have really created something brilliant. Ageing 50% new oak barrels for 16-18 months."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "Deep garnet-purple colored. After a little shaking, the nose unfurls to reveal notes of black cherries and fresh raspberries, opening out to hints of lilacs, anise, and cedar chest. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound with black and red berry layers, supported by firm, fine-grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and perfumed. A real head-turner."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The nose is quite floral, with notes of black cherries, licorice, espresso, crushed stones, and plums shaping the perfume. The palate is even better, featuring layers of fresh, soft, elegant, ripe red fruits that exhibit refined textures, energy, purity, and vibrance both on the palate and in the aromatic finish. The wine is produced from 98% Merlot, with 2% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2029-2055."

ANSON: "Limestone grip, terroir definitely playing its part, succulent, and well balanced, has precision, fragrant peony and lilac, density through the palate with a wave of juice on the finish. Think cherry pit, tobacco leaf, pumice stone. Currently the blend has no press wine, they will decide whether to add it over ageing, 50% new oak, harvest September 23 to 28, 3.8ph. No plans to have a 2nd wine (Annonce de Belair) in the vintage."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Black raspberries, cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and sappy flower notes all emerge from the 2024 Château Belair-Monange, a beautiful Saint-Émilion that's medium-bodied, has a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, nicely polished, building tannins, and a great finish. I love its purity of fruit, and it brings solid mid-palate depth and length. The 2024 is 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, harvested from September 23-28, and aging in 50% new oak."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, dezente Ockerrandaufhellung. Tabakig, reife dunkle Kirschen, Nuancen von Pflaumen, ein Hauch von Orangenzesten, kühle Mineralität. Komplex, saftig, elegante Textur, feine, integrierte Säurestruktur, mineralisch-salzig im Abgang, ein Hauch von Nougat, zarte Süße im Nachhall, gutes Entwicklungspotenzial, bereits gut entwickelt."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Notes of sweet cherries, berries, crushed mint and potpourri introduce the 2024 Belair Monange, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and suave wine that's pure, precise and harmonious, with lively acids and creditable persistence on the finish."