2008 Belair-Monange
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The first vintage for Christian and Edouard Moueix, the 2008 Château Belair-Monange comes from tiny yields of 12 hectoliters per hectare and was brought up all in barrel. It’s still youthfully ruby hued with no signs of bricking and has a terrific nose of ripe red and black fruits, white truffles, underbrush, and iron. This carries to a medium to full-bodied Saint-Emilion with a pure, rounded mouthfeel, supple yet still present tannins, and outstanding length. It’s certainly mature and in its prime drinking window yet has another 15-20 years of life ahead of it. It doesn’t match what’s regularly achieved by this estate today, yet it’s nevertheless a beautifully complex, nuanced, powerful Saint Emilion with tons to love.
Critic scores
Average Score
Decanter
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
Very traditional nose with all the leather and aniseed notes of maturing bordeaux – a great example of the classic claret flavour set. Appetising structure with ample fruit concentration, refreshing acidity and rounded tannic feel. (RH)
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.)
The Pascal Delbeck property that used to be just Belair but has been rechristened by the Moueixs. Tea-leaf aromas. Quite dense and with some raciness and lots of juice. Mild and low key. (JR)
About the producer
Château Bélair-Monange sits at the highest point of Saint-Émilion neighbouring Château Ausone. The steep slope vineyards offers some of the most beautiful vistas overlooking the historic town of Saint-Émilion.