This structured wine brings together black fruits, rich tannins and good acidity. The mineral edge to the wine and powerful tannins promise great aging, spurred on by the ripe black fruits. Drink this classed growth Saint-Emilion from 2023.

The 2017 Bélair-Monange is ripe and explosive in the glass, with tremendous fruit density and a real sense of power. Exotic spice, mocha, sweet pipe tobacco, cinnamon and floral notes add layers of nuance to a core of super-ripe dark red and purplish fruit in this sumptuous, flamboyantly ripe Saint-Émilion. Soft curves give the 2017 tons of immediacy, but there is also more than enough freshness and structure to support many years in the cellar.

A very fresh, savory-tinged style, with chalky minerality surrounding the core of cassis, damson plum and cherry fruit flavors. Offers a long and focused finish, showing flashes of rooibos tea and lilac. Just a hair austere in the end, but delivers lovely cut and tension. Should age nicely. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2038. 2,033 cases made.

From a slightly larger vineyard covering 46 acres, the 2017 Chateau Belair-Monange is a gorgeous wine that stays in the classic style of the vintage yet still packs plenty of oomph and textural richness. Based on 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a medium to full-bodied, impressive 2017 that has sweet tannins and a stacked, concentrated mid-palate, notable purity, and a great finish. It has the classic, straight, elegant style of the vintage, lots of beautiful cassis and cherry fruits, a kiss of spicy oak, and building structure that shows with time in the glass. Nevertheless, it has plenty of upfront charm and should evolve positively for 2-4 years and drink nicely for 15 years or more.