2016 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru - Chateau Bellefont-Belcier

Crushed dark cherry, cool menthol, rich Damson plum. Silky boysenberry, French vanilla, flourless chocolate cake. An impeccably dense and decadent display led by blackberry compote, blueberry preserves, and crème de cassis radiates regal yet restrained concentration as compelling impressions of spearmint, sage, cedar, and rolling tobacco impart a gorgeously seductive herbal edge. Notes of nutmeg and cinnamon playfully emerge to reveal a range of lifted baking spices enhanced in aromatics by intriguing fragrances of violet and incense. Hints of graphite, clay, and limestone expose complex earthy undercurrents playfully offset by opulent suggestions of new leather, mocha, and caramel. Impressively rich, ripe, and textured on the palate while retaining outstanding balance, nuance, and finesse; exhibiting a delightfully deep and plush presentation that matches outstanding power with enviable elegance and class. Fully bodied with elevated velvety tannin and bright acidity. This 2016 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru by Chateau Bellefont-Belcier is a muscular and mesmerizing red from Bordeaux.

Located in the heart of Bordeaux's right bank and widely considered to be one of the premier appellations in the region, Saint-Emilion is a historic winegrowing village that has been producing world class wine for nearly two millennia. This bottling, crafted by Chateau Bellefont-Belcier using a blend of 65% Merlot/20% Cabernet Franc/15% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from their Saint-Emilion estate vineyard, is an outstanding example of the complexity and concentration that this inimitable terroir can produce. This wine elegantly broods with a modern and extracted dark-fruited core enhanced by captivating herbal qualities, lifted florals, pretty oak notes, and unmistakable earthiness. Although it is already approachable with a moderate decant this boasts the structure to age gracefully for decades, and is no where close to reaching its eventual peak. Incredible.