Tasting Notes
Neal Martin 88
The 2008 Bélair-Monange was the first vintage where Christian Moueix had total control of the vineyard after his acquisition of the historic property. It has a crisp red cherry and crushed strawberry nose that perhaps needs more intensity. It feels airy, almost Burgundian in style. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple, quite fleshy opening. There is good body here, belying the structure underneath although I discerned a touch of greenness on the finish. Moueix’s tenure has produced better Belair’s than the 2008 and I would consume bottles over the next four to five years. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.)
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030
Vinous 92
Bright red-ruby. Fresh, mineral-driven aromas of bitter cherry, redcurrant, flowers and rose petal. Quite soil-driven and suave, with a light touch and good spicy lift to the intense mineral and red berry flavors. Sweet, pliant and rich, but at the same time youthful and suave, with a late hint of orange peel on the long, refined aftertaste. As of 2008, the old Belair property, planted on limestone next to Ausone, is solely owned by J.P. Moueix (essentially Christian Moueix and his son Edouard), and this is the first vintage bottled under the new name.
Wine Advocate 89
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The Belair-Monange has a very introverted bouquet with earthy black fruit, liquorice and cassis aromas. The palate is silky smooth on the entry with subsumed new oak with a supple, modern finish that slips down the throat. It has fleshed out as I predicted, although somehow it lacks a little personality. Tasted January 2012.
