2016 Château Belair Monange Premier Grand Cru Classe

A stunning Right Bank Bordeaux Merlot blend with notes of cherries, plums, and cinnamon, promising to peak in 15-20 years.

Producer

Château Belair Monange

Region

St. Émilion, Bordeaux

Country

France

Varietal

Merlot

Varietal Composition

92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc

Specifications

2016

Vintage

2045

Drink By

ABV

Vinification

Organically grown and hand-harvested grapes from 25 year old vines are fermented in stainless steel and concrete vats and then aged in French oak barrels (50% new) for 16-18 months

Occasional wine note

This one is a stunner. It's a great representation of the best of Bordeaux's Right Bank. The Left Bank is more focused on Cabernet-based reds, while in the Right Bank, Merlot dominates the blends. Merlot is where our journey as wine lovers began and this wine is a great representation of from where the roots of our first tastes come. Cherries, plums, cinnamon, with some floral notes mixed in. This one will likely not reach its peak for another 15-20 years and will last well beyond that. If you must, let it breathe so that you can enjoy all of its splendor.

What experts say about this wine

100

Andreas Larsson

Chalky, fresh and stony nose with floral wild berries and fresh truffle, very pure and detailed aromas emerge. Very concentrated and fresh palate, lovely layers of wild raspberries, cassis and plum with fine oak a discreet spiciness. Very long and intense finish with digest wild fruit notes, freshness and purity.

100

Wine Advocate

A blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Belair Monange comes strutting out of the glass like a total rock star with gregarious red cherries, blackberries and warm plums scents plus hints of lavender, rose hip tea, powdered cinnamon, cigar box and camphor. Medium-bodied, it completely fills the palate with vibrant red and black fruit layers, framed by a firm backbone of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and perfumed.

pairing recommendation