Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
Now under full control of the Moueix family, with Christian Moueix's son Edouard managing the estate, and their new technical director Eric Murisasco (who replaced Jean-Claude Berrouet) making the wine, I expect this property to soar starting with the 2008 and beyond. This is a great terroir that was horribly under-exploited and managed by the previous regime, and there is no reason why it cannot perform close to the level of Ausone, which is one of its neighbors. In 2006 the Moueix family did not own the estate outright, but did have some influence, and the 2006 is certainly a good effort, with notes of kirsch liqueur, crushed rock, and some subtle herbs in a medium-bodied, finesse-styled wine that should be drunk over the next 10-12 years.
Tasted blind at Southwold '06 Bordeaux tasting. I was mean with my primeur score because this is an impressive showing for the pre-JP Moueix Belair (now Belair-Monange.) Crushed stones on the nose: bilberry, wild strawberry with a hint of blackcurrant wine gums. Very soft with well-integrated oak. Moderate definition. The palate is dense, good weight with sinewy tannins, fine acidity with hints of cassis, plum and a little blueberry. This Belair is very persistent and persuasive on the finish, with just a touch of oak waiting to be subsumed. Soft landing on the finish: this far exceeds expectations. Tasted January 2010.