Chateau Belair is now owned by the Moueix family, and has had a new name since the 2008 vintage. 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 Angelus. Despite the brilliant terroir, the wine-making here had been mediocre for many years until the Moueix purchase. It is clear that Edouard Moueix is going to transform this Chateau into one of the stars of Saint Emilion. The vineyard is planted with 88% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and the yield is miniscule as some of the vines are 100 years old and there are many gaps to be filled. Of the 23.5 hectares only 14 are currently in production. A second wine "Annonce" is now produced from the younger vines.
Wine-Advocate : 98/100
The Chateau Belair-Monange 2017 is already revealing itself to be one of the greatest successes of the estate, completely unaffected by the frost, which damaged other appellations in Bordeaux. In the glass, this Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe shows off a deep garnet purple color. On the nose, the wine reveals a perfumed bouquet, resplendent with red cherries, crushed strawberries and plum, along with hints of milk chocolate and mint. The palate is quite rich, with many layers of floral flavors and spice, a polished texture and austere tannins suggesting great potential for age. The finish is quite long and dry, with plenty of ripe fruit flavors.