Bellefont Belcier 2015 (750ML)

96 JD / 95 JS / 93 WA / 93 VM

I was blown away by the 2015 Château Bellefont Belcier and this knockout red is a blend of 72% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon that was brought up in 80% new barrel. This estate covers 13.5 hectares of prime real estate, sitting just beside Larcis-Ducasse on the plateau and south-facing hillside of the Côte Pavie. Loads of blackcurrants, black cherries, truffle, licorice and hints of chocolate all emerge from this opulent, full-bodied, inky-colored red that has boatloads of sweet tannin, a rich, deep mid-palate, and a great, great finish. There’s a little over 5,000 cases of this beauty, don't miss it. Tasted twice. - Jeb Dunnuck

Love the nose of blackberries, black truffles, oyster shell and wet earth. Full-bodied, layered and fantastic. Firm and silky tannins and a juicy finish. Gorgeous complexity. Drink in 2020. - James Suckling

The 2015 Bellefont Belcier (recently acquired by Peter Kwok of Haut-Brisson and Tour Saint-Christophe fame) was rather inconsistent from three samples encountered: one rather disjointed on the nose but another displaying much more harmony and cohesion. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, well-judged acidity, crisp cedar-infused black fruit with a judicious veneer of new oak lifting the finish. Judging by the best bottles that I encountered this should age well. Anticipated maturity: 2020 - 2038. - Neal Martin

Powerful, dense and explosive, with notable thrust to the red cherry, plum, leather and licorice flavors, the dramatic, full-throttle 2015 Bellefont-Belcier is every bit as impressive as it was from barrel. Dark red cherry, mocha, new leather and spice build into the racy, voluptuous finish. The tannins need time to soften, but all the elements are in the right place. In a word: terrific. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media