2016 Château Bellefont-Belcier
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James Suckling
Wine Enthusiast
More reviews and scores
Looks a little more developed than the 2015, oddly. Rich, toasty nose. Lots of fresh fruit and vitality on the palate. Very nice wine that perhaps lacks the opulence of a perfect one but is very successful. You could almost drink it already with chewy food! (JR)
The 2016 Château Bellefont-Belcier was truly brilliant on all three occasions I was able to taste it, rating 95 twice and 97 once. Coming from a 13.5-hectare vineyard on the magical Côte Pavie (it’s right next door to Larcis-Ducasse) and a blend of 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 80% new oak, it offers a black fruit-driven style as well as loads of black raspberries, black cherries, graphite, leafy herbs, and hints of incense. It's powerful, full-bodied, has building sweet tannins, and the rock star purity of fruit that's the hallmark of the vintage. It’s an awesome wine to drink over the coming 20-25 years.
Very fresh with fine dry tannins that carry the concentrated and ripe palate very nicely. I love the floral and currant bouquet thatâs very enticing, in spite of the wineâs youth. Lots of blackcurrant and tobacco. A blend of 65 per cent merlot, 20 per cent cabernet franc and 15 per cent cabernet sauvignon. Try in 2020.
About the producer
The history of the estate dates back to the 17th century, but the estate acquired its current name from Count Louis-Francois de Belcier who took ownership of the property at the end of the 18th century.