2018 Château Bellefont-Belcier Saint Émilion Grand Cru classé

95-96 James Suckling: ""Intense aromas and flavors of blue fruit and violets. Hints of green tea and black olives. Changes all the time. Medium-to full-bodied with polished and very silky tannins. Love the center palate. The finish lasts for minutes. This year, about one-third cabernet franc gives an edge to the merlot and the touch of cabernet sauvignon." (www.jamessuckling.com)

92+ Lisa Perotti-Brown: "A blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Bellefont Belcier has a deep garnet-purple color and classic notes of warm plums, blackberry preserves and cedar chest, plus wafts of lavender, clove oil and chocolate box. The medium to full-bodied palate is impressively well-poised with soft, rounded tannins and just enough freshness supporting the juicy black fruits, finishing with a bright, cheery skip in its step. Lots to love here!" (in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate)

95-97 Jeb Dunnuck: "Tasted on multiple occasions, the 2018 Château Bellefont-Belcier always showed brilliantly, with a full-bodied, sexy style that’s very much in the vintage. Coming from a 12.5-hectare vineyard just beside Larcis Ducasse (this is an incredible terroir) and a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, aging in 40% new French oak, its deep purple color is followed by a classic bouquet of ripe black fruits, tobacco leaf, earth, and spice box. Deep, rich, and textured, with sweet tannins, it’s another rock star effort this vintage that’s going to benefit from just short-term cellaring and keep for two decades or more." (www.jebdunnuck.com)