Chateau Bellefont-Belcier Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe 2019

From a beautifully situated hillside vineyard, sandwiched between Larcis Ducasse and Tertre Roteboeuf on either side, with holdings belonging to Pavie and Troplong Mondot on the plateau above, the 2019 Bellefont Belcier has turned out very well indeed. Offering up aromas of smoky berry fruit, loamy soil, subtle spices, black truffle and violets, it's full-bodied, velvety and seamless, with a vibrant, enveloping profile and a long, penetrating finish. This is a terrific effort, though given the thoughtful farming and program of replanting that is underway at this long-neglected estate, I suspect it only hints at what is to come as Jean-Christophe Meyrou and his team get to work. RP 94