2022, Château Belair-Monange, SAINT-ÉMILION, 1er Grand Cru ClasséBordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc This is one of the best vineyards in Saint Emilion, perched at the top of the slope right next to Ausone, near Canon and above Anglus. Purchased by the Moueix family in 2008. It is clear that Edouard Moueix is transforming this chteau into one of the stars of Saint Emilion. 2022 blend is 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Underlines just how exciting this estate has become in recent years. So much flavour, juice

Drinking Window: 2023 - 2034

88-90 William Kelley

with gunsmoke and cut grass aromatics - capturing more varietal signature than many in the vintage

baked earth

black chocolate

terrific depth at the core and a long

but its freshness is notable

cloves and new leather build as the 2022 shows off its unabashedly opulent personality

vanilla and pipe tobacco

There’s less lift perhaps than the 2016

with a more Left Bank feel than many

rose petal