Remarkably pure, sleek and refined, with a faint chalk thread perfectly embedded in the core of red currant, cherry and damson plum fruit. Very sleek, with refined tannins and impressive length, this is balanced to a T. A wine of distinction that seems destined to improve as the remaining limestone portions of the vineyard are replanted. This is also the first vintage that includes the portions from the former Magdelaine estate. Tasted non-blind. Score range: 93-96 -JM

Drinking Window: 2017 - 2032

With some of the oldest vines in all of Bordeaux, especially one parcel from 1905, Belair Monange’s 2012 (14.5% alcohol) is a tribute to this great terroir that was poorly managed and exploited prior to the family of Jean-Pierre Moueix taking over. Now it is Christian Moueix and his son Edouard who manage the property and produce the wine. The 2012 is a beauty, with a deep ruby/purple color, complex notes of minerals, crushed rock, red and black fruits, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, great texture, long finish and true ability and character. It should age beautifully for 20 or more years and yet be drinkable another three or four. Production is small, as only 1,300 cases were produced.

Drinking Window: 2015 - 2039

Reviewer Name: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Review Date: 30th April 2015

The 2012 Bélair-Monange brings together power and finesse in what is a very complete expression of Saint-Emilion. Beams of supporting tannins give the 2012 much of its energy. Red stone fruit, chalk, mint, spice and expressive floral notes are all nicely delineated. I expect the Bélair-Monange will drink better earlier than the other top wines in the Moueix stable. This is the first vintage that incorporates the Magdelaine vineyards, which were annexed in 2012. Bélair-Monange is now under the direction of Edouard Moueix, who lives on the property and seems determined to take the estate to the top of the hierarchy in Saint-Emilion. The 2012 is certainly a strong move in that direction.

Drinking Window: 2018 - 2037

Reviewer Name: Antonio Galloni

Review Date: 1st January 2016

Floral, earth, licorice and stone scents create the perfume. The palate is plush, polished and perky with minerality, supple and refined textured and ripe dark berries in the finish. 92-94 Pts

Drinking Window: 2017 - 2032

The 2012 Bélair-Monange is an excellent Saint-Émilion although, I have never been as effusive with praise as other commentators. Here it has the same opulent bouquet I remarked upon when tasted just after bottling. Morello cherry, fresh mint and that faint touch of orange blossom; pretty and well defined. The palate is medium-bodied, silky smooth in texture with a precise and quite agile finish that is full of tension. I would prefer a little more depth and presence overall, but all things considered, this 2012 is turning into a delicious Saint-Émilion. Tasted at the château.

Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035

Reviewer Name: Neal Martin

Review Date: 1st July 2018

Ruby-red. Expressive nose combines red plum, black cherry, mocha, flowers and cinnamon. Sweet and silky on the palate, with lovely inner-mouth complexity to the spicy red and dark fruit flavors. The creamy finish features assertive yet polished tannins that hit the palate very late. This struck me as having a great deal more finesse and charm than usual, perhaps due to the contribution of Magdelaine to the Belair component (Magdelaine was merged with Belair-Monange by owner J. P. Moueix in 2012).

Reviewer Name: Ian d'Agata

Review Date: 1st May 2013