Chateau Bel Air - Jean & Gabriel - Lussac Saint-Emilion 2015

Vinifera

88-90 / 20

byJacques Perrinthe5/12/2016

Fruité fin et subtil. Parfaite continuité nez-bouche. Corps élancé, finement articulé, au tanin fruité. Jolie finale.

Wine Advocate

85-87 / 100

the4/29/2016

The 2015 Bel-Air "Jean & Gabriel" is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. It is a special cuvée in tribute to the proprietor's grandfather and great-grandfather. With the advice of Stephane Derenoncourt, they selected five hectares of vine on blue and red clay that this year leaned towards the Merlot. Matured in 30% new oak, 30% one-year-old and the remainder two-years-old, it has a very ripe cassis and iodine-scented bouquet, high-toned in style. The palate is sweet on the entry with rounded tannin, quite polished with a powerful, slightly glossy finish. This is one of those wines that I wanted to like more, but it needs to show more finesse and delineation on the finish. Around 1,000 cases produced. Drink 2019 - 2025

Vinous

86-88 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/27/2016

The 2015 Bel-Air Jean & Gabriel is plump, juicy and delicious. Black fruit, espresso, licorice and leather meld together effortlessly. This is an especially dark wine for the year. A measure of freshness is lacking, but the wine makes up for that with its sumptuous, racy feel. The blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, but the Merlot is clearly dominant. Simon Blanchard and Arnaud Gimonnet are the consulting winemakers. Tasted two times.