The Producer
Chateau Belair was founded by Robert de Knollys in the mid to late 1300s. During the French Revolution, the vineyards were confiscated, but were later reclaimed by the Canolle family in 1802. In celebration of this, the family bottled and sold their wine, and were likely the first winery in Saint-Émilion to do so. In 1916, Edouard Dubois-Challon who owned Chateau Ausone, located next door to Chateau Belair, purchased the estate. At the time the estate was quite neglected, and in need over major renovations both in the vineyard and the cellar, which Challon completed. In 2008 the estate was sold to Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix, and was renamed Château Bélair-Monange. Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix completely renovated the estate again shortly after purchasing it. In 2012 the vineyard was expanded to include the holdings of Château Magdelaine. Chateau Belair is 1 of just 15 estates classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classe B property. To put this into perspective, there are over 800 growers and producers in the Saint-Émilion appellation.
Technical Info
Location: Saint-Émilion, France Altitude: 88 meters above sea level Sun Exposure: South Varietal Composition: Primarily Merlot, with some Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Age: Up to 70 years old
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Bordeaux red
Aromas: Crushed cherries and pomegranates, roses, leather, balsamic, forest, raspberry coulis, cherry tree sap, with hints of cedar, tobacco, and bell pepper.
Palate: Tart cherries, leather, tea rose petals, cherry tree sap, tomatoes, pomegranate juice, and tobacco. Bright acidity, with well integrated, ultra fine, teeth coating tannins.
Notes: Wine was left open for 2 hours, and was not decanted, so that air could gradually be introduced into the wine. After being open for 2 hours, the wine drank absolutely beautifully, and it really blossomed after being open for 4 hours. At 22 years old, this wine smells and tastes shockingly youthful, and we suspect that it will likely continue to develop nicely over the next 5 years or so. This wine still has great structure, with plenty of fruit and acidity, and is extremely enjoyable to drink at the moment. Delicious!
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