A dense, rich red, yet the tannins are so fine and integrated with beautiful texture and finesse. It’s full-bodied, showing pretty balance and refinement with lots of exotic fruit and richness. Tight now. Try after 2024

I continue to love this Saint-Emilion, which hails from a 12.5-hectare vineyard located just beside Larcis Ducasse, on the Côte Pavie hillside. Based on 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Château Bellefont-Belcier's deep purple hue is followed by a ripe, medium to full-bodied 2018 with loads of blueberry and currant bud-like fruits as well as notes of leafy tobacco, spring flowers, truffle, and earth. Nicely textured, with fine, polished tannins and solid depth of fruit, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve for 25 years or more. It doesn't quite have the depth or density I remember from barrel, but it's still a beautiful wine.

The 2018 Bellefont-Belcier is superb. Expressive floral and savory top notes play off a core of inky dark fruit in a potent, heady Saint-Emilion loaded with character. Rose petal, lavender, spice and inky red/purplish fruit all open in the glass. The brooding tannins that once penalized this wine have been replaced by a great sense of finesse, and 2 018 was just the first vintage. There is plenty to look forward to in future years.

A blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Bellefont Belcier has a deep garnet-purple color and classic notes of warm plums, blackberry preserves and cedar chest, plus wafts of lavender, clove oil and chocolate box. The medium to full-bodied palate is impressively well-poised with soft, rounded tannins and just enough freshness supporting the juicy black fruits, finishing with a bright, cheery skip in its step. Lots to love here!

Soft-edged and seductive, with creamed plum and steeped raspberry notes laced with hints of sweet spice and red tea. A pretty savory echo extends the finish nicely. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2029. 2,917 cases made.