“From a beautifully situated hillside vineyard, sandwiched between Larcis Ducasse and Tertre-Rôteboeuf 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.” – Wine Advocate

What a neighborhood! What a score! (triple 95s, baby) …what a steal under $50!

Let’s save you the time and effort; that IS the best price anywhere (again) of course.

Jeb Dunnuck, spot on as usual, calls Bellefont-Belcier “an estate that deserves more recognition,” adding that it “comes from a fabulous terroir.” Considering that Pavie’s 2019 costs 8 TIMES more than what you’re snagging this for today, that’s an understatement.

Per a Decanter spotlight in 2023, “Created in the late 18th century, the estate is located on south-facing slopes in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, neighboring two Premiers Grands Crus Classés - Château Pavie, rated ‘A’, and Château Larcis-Ducasse - and the iconoclastic, non-classified Château Tertre Rôteboeuf… While its embrace of wine tourism is another nod to the overarching regeneration of the estate, it’s the wines, quite appropriately, where one can note a distinct line in the sand. A recent vertical demonstrated that new ownership equals new methodologies and a striking renaissance… a Château which has finally found its feet and is beginning to realize its full potential.”

Granted, an extraordinary vintage such as 2019 has its own potential for excellence, but what’s in our glasses is a testament to a thoroughbred Saint-Émilion truly strutting its stuff with just the right kiss of bottle bouquet at age 6, culminating in a dreamy mouthfeel and an ethereal finish, not too far removed from wines that cost A LOT more from surrounding Châteaux. Yet there’s enough intensity and energy in there to continue to enchant for at least another 3 decades. What a triumphant showing for a hidden gem…

And unreal value at $49, seriously, wish we had tons more!

95 Points – Jeb Dunnuck “A beautiful, elegant Saint-Émilion that will be loved by both modernists and traditionalists out there, the 2019 Château Bellefont-Belcier comes from a south-facing, limestone terroir just beside Château Pavie and Larcis Ducasse. A blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, it starts out reticent and understated yet builds beautifully with time in the glass and has wonderful cassis and black raspberry fruits intermixed with notes of truffle, tobacco, damp earth, and violets. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has silky tannins, perfect overall balance, and a great finish. It’s not a powerhouse, but it shines for its purity, finesse, and elegance. Enjoy bottles over the coming 15-20 years or so. Drink 2022-2042.”

95 Points – James Suckling “Very attractive plum and cherry aromas with hints of flowers and wet earth, following through to a medium to full body with linear, polished tannins and a juicy finish. Juicy fruit to finish with some minerality and forest-flower undertones. A little tight, but very pure at the end. Drink after 2025.”

95 Points – Decanter “Excellent vibrancy here, with just a bit more mid-palate density than in 2018. Exciting tension, power, and ripe red fruit leading to a salivating and long finish. Although young, try with garlic-infused, roasted leg of lamb. Drink 2023-2048.”