Château Bélair-Monange 2025

Deep, cool and mineral-driven, it combines forest berries and cherry with a peppery edge. The oak is subtly present, never dominant. The palate is powerful and very dense, building tremendous intensity while gliding feather-light across the tongue. There are masses of chalky tannins structuring the core of fruit, with outstanding acidity, and a finish marked by spice and a fine salty note. A monumental, highly elegant Belair-Monange, built to last for a (small) eternity.

Gorgeous aromas, such a concoction of freshly picked red and black fruit with rose petals and violet touches. Creamy and cool, this has a soft texture – tannins are round and charming, generous but not overwhelming, supporting the cool blue fruit. Layered and finessed, definitely not as sharp as some and although there is a dollop of mouthwatering acidity, this is more relaxed and reserved, quiet with a gentle power and push from start to finish. I love the energy and the definition here – it’s pixelated with a lovely frame and such a long finish. Another dark horse, not yet fully shining but with excellent potential.

Almost opaque in color, the wine shows off its licorice, black cherries, espresso, flowers, and oceanic, aromatic character with just a swirl or two. Opulent, fresh, concentrated, elegant, and deep, with a lightness to the wealth of fruit, paired with a vibrancy that makes this so easy to like and, most importantly, to drink. The finish is intense, long, and seamless. This could be the best vintage of Belair-Monange produced yet! The wine is produced from 98% Merlot, with 2% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2030-2060. 97-99 Pts

Gorgeous nuanced crushed red rose petal nose, this has a lot of juice running right through the palate and is totally delicious, cherry pit, savoury blueberry and cranberry fruits, a ton of limestone signature, long and drawn out on the finish. Again a limestone junkie wine but here you will definitely get your fix. 26hl/h, Harvest September 4 to 19. 50% new oak for ageing.

So much freshness and brightness in the bouquet of Bélair Monange 2025! Limestone is a real asset. The interplay of red and black berry notes highlights its complexity, enhanced by hints of violets, spices, and licorice. The velvety attack leads into a linear wine driven by precise, fine-grained tannins, perfectly in tune with an energizing acidity. The harmony between vibrancy and freshness unfolds across the palate, beautifully expressing the interaction of these two elements, which provide excellent structure and lift the finish. An elegant, vibrant, sapid, and long-lasting Bélair Monange.

Very dark color with purple highlights. An intense, refined, pure nose—fruity, subtle, and highly perfumed. Very fresh when the glass is swirled. Precise on the attack and very aromatic on the mid-palate, with a rich texture and plenty of flavor from mid-palate through to the finish; the wine melts on the palate, delicate, subtle, and noble, with complex notes of blackberries, licorice, blackcurrant, and vanilla. Blend: 98% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. Aging: 16–18 months in French oak barrels (50% new). Harvest from September 4 to 19.