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Belair-Monange 2011

Tasting Notes

It is amazing how things have turned around for this tiny jewel of a property adjacent to Chateau Ausone. Production has been cut back and the selection process has become deeply serious as just over 1,500 cases were produced in this vintage. The dense ruby/purple-colored 2011 offers gorgeous aromas of kirsch, crushed rock, raspberries and subtle oak are followed by a medium-bodied, concentrated mouthfeel that suggests low yields and impeccable winemaking. A star of the vintage, it should be forgotten for 4-5 years and drunk over the following two decades.

92+
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (212), May 2014

Lots of ripe-strawberry character with raspberry undertones. Full body with round, velvety tannins and a juicy finish. This is very special for the vintage. Impressive. Try in 2017.

93
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, February 2014

Deep colour. A little more depth and complexity than stablemate Magdelaine. Attractive fruit, with refined texture and tannins. Balanced. Progress again underlined. Drink 2018-2030.

17
James Lawther MW, Decanter.com, April 2012
Read more tasting notes...

This dark ruby-colored, mineral-laced, elegant, medium-bodied 2011 Belair-Monange offers distinctive aromas of licorice and crushed chalk. Under the administration of Christian Moueix's son, Edouard, it continues to possess a classic, mid-weight, fresh, vibrant style. This tends to be one of the more intellectual wines of Bordeaux, but the Moueixs are building more flesh, texture and character into it. The 2011 should drink well for 10-15 years.

88/90
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (200), April 2012

The 2011 Belair-Monange is a little more thrust on the nose compared to the more feminine Magdelaine. It offers a red fruit profile with floral aromas, the creamy oak a little more pronounced but not obfuscating the sense of terroir emanating from the glass. Over five minutes it attains wonderful cohesion and purity. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannins on the entry. It has a lovely balance with tensile tannins; poised and refined with a lovely build towards the finish that has good weight and sinew. All focus and finesse. Tasted April 2012.

91/93
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, April 2012

Very intense aromas of flowers and blueberries follow through to a full and dense palate yet compacted with a long pretty finish. Chocolate undertones as well.

90/91
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2012
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.