Bellefont Belcier - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2018

Vinous

93

byAntonio Gallonithe3/31/2021

The 2018 Bellefont-Belcier is superb. Expressive floral and savory top notes play off a core of inky dark fruit in a potent, heady Saint-Émilion loaded with character. Rose petal, lavender, spice and inky red/purplish fruit all open in the glass. The brooding tannins that once penalized this wine have been replaced by a great sense of finesse, and 2018 was just the first vintage. There is plenty to look forward to in future years.

Jeb DUNNUCK

94

byJeb Dunnuckthe3/16/2021

I continue to love this Saint-Emilion, which hails from a 12.5-hectare vineyard located just beside Larcis Ducasse, on the Côte Pavie hillside. Based on 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Château Bellefont-Belcier's deep purple hue is followed by a ripe, medium to full-bodied 2018 with loads of blueberry and currant bud-like fruits as well as notes of leafy tobacco, spring flowers, truffle, and earth. Nicely textured, with fine, polished tannins and solid depth of fruit, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve for 25 years or more. It doesn't quite have the depth or density I remember from barrel, but it's still a beautiful wine.

The Wine Cellar Insider

95

byJeff Levethe3/16/2021

Elegant, refined, concentrated, silky, fresh and pure, this beautiful wine exudes all the rocks, stones, flowers, licorice, spice, cherries, plums and blackberries you could ask for. The wine provides length, complexity and freshness coupled with the ability to age and evolve. The wine was made from blending 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and is aged in a combination of new and used French oak casks with 10% of the harvest being aged in amphora.

Vinous

92

byNeal Martinthe3/12/2021

The 2018 Bellefont-Belcier has quite an intense nose of predominantly black fruit plus graphite and sage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, quite compact at the moment and probably closing in after bottling. But there is plenty of freshness here and it feels very harmonious, if slightly “playing it safe” on the finish. Cellar for several years.

Wine Spectator

90

byJames Molesworththe2/1/2021

Soft-edged and seductive, with creamed plum and steeped raspberry notes laced with hints of sweet spice and red tea. A pretty savory echo extends the finish nicely. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2029. 2,917 cases made. –JM

Yvesbeck.wine

96

byYves Beckthe1/26/2021

Rouge grenat dense. Le bouquet de Bellefont-Belcier se révèle lentement. A l'aération le bouquet communique peu à peu et laisse apparaître des nuances de myrtilles, de réglisse et d'épices. Beaucoup de finesse et de subtilité qui ne sont pas forcément perceptibles de prime abord. En bouche le vin se révèle également discrètement. Il affiche de bons tannins, denses et serrés et une structure racée, mais il peine à focaliser sur l'aromatique. Un vin qui s'affiche en crescendo et qui montre de très belles aptitudes en finale. Il faudra lui laisser du temps. Je pense que le 2018 a encore une sacré réserve et qu'il ne dit pas encore tout !

Jamessuckling.com

95

byJames Sucklingthe1/12/2021

A dense, rich red, yet the tannins are so fine and integrated with beautiful texture and finesse. It’s full-bodied, showing pretty balance and refinement with lots of exotic fruit and richness. Tight now. Try after 2024.

Decanter.com

94

byJane Ansonthe1/12/2021

Vinous

91-93

byNeal Martinthe11/15/2019

The 2018 Bellefont-Belcier has a surprisingly understated bouquet with perfumed red cherries, crushed strawberry and violet aromas, touches of graphite emerging with time. The palate is very velvety in the mouth: veins of dark chocolate infusing the dark berry fruit with a lush and generous, oaky finish. It will require several years in bottle but it should turn into a fine Saint-Émilion.

WeinWisser

17

byTjark Witzgallthe5/7/2019

Vinifera

90

byJacques Perrinthe5/1/2019

Vin ample et charnu, au profil crémeux et mûr. Très jolie dimension tactile en bouche et finale d'une bonne persistance.  

The Wine Cellar Insider

95-97

byJeff Levethe4/23/2019

Flowers, crushed rocks, ripe, fresh stony fruits, silky textures and elegance. There is volume, refinement, length and character found here from start to finish. The wine was made from blending 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, reaching 14.3% alcohol. The wine is aged in a combination of new and used French oak casks with 10% of the harvest being aged in amphora.

Wine Advocate

91-93

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/23/2019

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Bellefont Belcier delivers profound notions of warm plums, baked cherries and mulberries with hints of spice cake and underbrush. Full-bodied, rich and decadent, it has a rock-solid backbone of rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy. Aging is in progress for an anticipated 20 months in 40% new, 40% one year-old and 20% two year-old barrels. The blend is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Jamessuckling.com

95-96

byJames Sucklingthe4/12/2019

Intense aromas and flavors of blue fruit and violets. Hints of green tea and black olives. Changes all the time. Medium-to full-bodied with polished and very silky tannins. Love the center palate. The finish lasts for minutes. This year, about one-third cabernet franc gives an edge to the merlot and the touch of cabernet sauvignon.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

92

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/8/2019