2020 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 6x75cl

Jane Anson 94

The steady restoration of Bellefont-Belcier to a classified St Emilion worth following continues with this vintage, and it is packed with dark cherry fruits, pomegranate, crayon, tobacco and saffron. Jean-Christophe Meyrou director, Jerome Aguirre as winemaker. 37hl/h yield. Upscore from En Primeur. 3.65ph, 30% new oak, 20% large oak casks with the rest in neutral barrels, with no added suplhur during fermentaition, vinificaiton in concrete tanks, harvest Spemteber 15 to October 9.

Drinking window: 2027-2040

Review date: 15/02/2023

Neal Martin (90-92)

The 2020 Bellefont-Belcier was picked from September 15 to October 9 at 37hl/ha and matured in 30% new oak, 20% oval foudres. It has a ripe bouquet of blackberry and raspberry fruit, plus touches of plum jam and subtle undergrowth, almost mulch-like scents. The palate is fleshy and open on the entry, framed by distinctly malleable tannins and a plush yet controlled finish with a dash of white pepper and sage. I suspect that this Saint-Émilion will drink earlier than its peers, yet it has the substance to give up to 15, possibly 20 years of drinking pleasure.

Drinking window: 2027-2050

Review date: 01/05/2021