Chateau Belair-Monange 2025

Falstaff: Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, dezente Randaufhellung. Zarter Nougat, schwarzes Waldbeerkonfit, reife Herzkirschen, noch etwas zurückhaltend, floraler Touch im Hintergrund. Stoffig, saftig, dunkle Beerenfrucht, feine Extraktsüße, samtige Tannine, elegant und lange anhaftend, ein nahtloser Wein von großer Länge, harmonisch und bereits gut entwickelt, sicheres Reifepotenzial."

Vinum: Tiefgründig, kühl, mineralisch geprägt, ein Mix aus Waldbeeren, Kirschen, dazu eine pfeffrige Würze, das Holz ist subtil wahrnehmbar, dabei nicht dominant; druckvoller Gaumen, sehr massiv, baut viel Druck auf, gleitet dabei federleicht über die Zunge, da sind Massen an Kalktanninen, die das Fruchtbündel strukturieren, hervorragende Säure, Würze und Salzigkeit im Abgang. Ein monumentaler, hocheleganter Belair-Monange, der für eine kleine Ewigkeit gebaut ist."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Almost opaque in color, the wine shows off its licorice, black cherries, espresso, flowers, and oceanic, aromatic character with just a swirl or two. Opulent, fresh, concentrated, elegant, and deep, with a lightness to the wealth of fruit, paired with a vibrancy that makes this so easy to like and, most importantly, to drink. The finish is intense, long, and seamless. This could be the best vintage of Belair-Monange produced yet! The wine is produced from 98% Merlot, with 2% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2030-2060."

James Suckling: Tight and firm, with toned tannins that run the length of the wine and create energy in the finish of crushed stones and chalk. Medium- to full-bodied. Its power spreads nicely across the palate. 98% merlot and 2% cabernet franc."

Jane Anson: Gorgeous nuanced crushed red rose petal nose, this has a lot of juice running right through the palate and is totally delicious, cherry pit, savoury blueberry and cranberry fruits, a ton of limestone signature, long and drawn out on the finish. Again a limestone junkie wine but here you will definitely get your fix. 26hl/h, Harvest September 4 to 19. 50% new oak for ageing."

Jeb Dunnuck: Ripe red and black fruits, savory flowers, classic Saint-Emilion chalky minerality, and camphor all shine in the 2025 Château Bélair-Monange, the flagship in the Moueix range born from a mix of Château Magdelaine and Château Belair, first made in 2012. Based on 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a pure, graceful mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. A brilliant Saint-Émilion, it has the purity and balance to shine in its youth yet should age gracefully as well."

Decanter: Gorgeous aromas, such a concoction of freshly picked red and black fruit with rose petals and violet touches. Creamy and cool, this has a soft texture - tannins are round and charming, generous but not overwhelming, supporting the cool blue fruit. Layered and finessed, definitely not as sharp as some and although there is a dollop of mouthwatering acidity, this is more relaxed and reserved, quiet with a gentle power and push from start to finish. I love the energy and the definition here - it’s pixelated with a lovely frame and such a long finish. Another dark horse, not yet fully shining but with excellent potential."

Lisa Perrotti-Brown: Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2025 Bélair-Monange is a little closed to start off, needing some swirling to wake up scents of rose bud tea, camphor, cinnamon stick, and crushed rocks, leading to a core of plum preserves and blueberry compote, with a lifted waft of preserved mandarin peel. The full-bodied palate is packed with powerful black fruit preserves flavors, framed by velvety tannins and a refreshing line, finishing long and perfumed. The blend is 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. This is aging in French oak barrels for 16-18 months, 50% new."