Chateau Bellefont Belcier 2021

WEINWISSER: "70 % Merlot, 25 % Cabernet Franc, 5 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.75 Vol.-%, 34 hl/ha, pH 3,54, Produktion 51.000 Flaschen, Ausbau in 30 % neuen Barriques, 20 % Fuder. Betörendes Bouquet, reife Schattenmorelle, rotes Pflaumenmus und tasmanischer Bergpfeffer, dahinter Lakritze und heller Tabak. Am subtilen Gaumen mit seidiger Textur, herrlicher Extraktfülle, engmaschigem Tanningerüst, balancierter Rasse und perfekt geformtem Körper. Im sehr präzisen Finale, Wildkirsche, edle Terroirwürze und fein körnige Adstringenz. Chapeau JC Meyrou, der ist dieses Jahr so gut wie schon lange nicht mehr!"

DECANTER: "An excellent, structured and captivating Bellefont-Belcier in 2021 having been spared the frosts that ravaged many other estates. Sweet fragrant blackcurrants on the nose, so seductive with perfume and ever so faint bramble tones giving nuance. Smooth, silky, gorgeously textured. Really just a silky carpet of juicy, bright and fresh fruits. The acidity shines through brightly, zesty and lively while the refined tannins give a streamlined structure and support and the concentrated flavours that linger long on the tongue. Mouthwatering with clarity and drive. I like the hints of spice that come through also showing a well balanced touch of oak. Lots going on here - very impressive. Thomas Duclos consultant. A yield of 35hl/ha. 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon - a touch more than usual."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A racy and refined Bellefont with stone, chalk and salty character. Wet earth and green olives, too. Medium to full body with a core of pretty fruit and solid tannins that are fine and polished."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Spared by the April frosts, the 2021 Bellefont Belcier has turned out brilliantly, exhibiting aromas of sweet berries and cherries mingled with hints of orange zest and violets, framed by a deft touch of oak. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless, it's deep and elegant, with refined tannins, fine concentration and a penetrating finish. Impressively, this 2021 appears to surpass the estate's 2018 in quality!"

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zart nach Nougat und Feigen, frische Pflaumen, mit kandierten Orangenzesten unterlegt, einladendes Bukett. Saftig, elegant, frisch strukturiert, rote Kirschen, reife, gut integrierte Tannine, feine Limettennoten im Abgang, mineralisch-salziger Touch im Nachhall, ein lebendiger Speisenbegleiter."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Flowers, mint, spice and red pit fruits are already on display in the nose. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, juicy, vibrant and crisp, with freshness and energy to the red berries on the mid-palate and in the mineral-touched, refreshing finish. The wine was made from blending 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.75% ABV. Drink from 2024-2038. 92-94"

JEB DUNNUCK: "I loved the 2021 Château Bellefont-Belcier and it's certainly well worth seeking out. Based on 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that hit 13.75% alcohol and is still resting in just 30% new barrels, it shines for its purity and elegance, with vivid blue fruits, cassis, chalky mineral, and white flower-like aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied on the palate, it shows the vintage's elegant, seamless style, is perfectly balanced, and has outstanding length. If it puts on weight over the course of its élevage, it will check in near the top of the barrel range."