2015 Chateau Bellefont Belcier Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe 750 ml

Think fast and move quickly on this one. The “knockout” 96-point Bellefont-Belcier offers near perfection in the glass combined with a value proposition almost unheard of in the oenological mecca that is Saint-Émilion. With “loads of blackcurrants, black cherries, truffle, licorice, hints of chocolate,” and a “great, great finish,” as Jeb Dunnuck raved, this is playing with the big boys in every way—except cost. Our 35 cases won’t last long. 

If you’re unfamiliar with Bellefont-Belcier, it’s a good time to get acquainted. The newest addition to the renowned Vignobles K group—taking its rightful place alongside heavyweights Haut Brisson and Tour Saint Christophe—Bellefont-Belcier sits on the Côte Pavie, the same south-facing hillside as renowned Château Pavie, Larcis-Ducasse, and Tertre Roteboeuf. The 2015 boasts the same kind of lushness and complexity as these household names, layering profound dark fruit with an earthy, mineral vein only exhibited by Merlot grown in these revered and rich limestone-clay soils. 

And then there’s the magic touch of 100-point legend Michel Rolland, consulting winemaker at Bellefont-Belcier. The seamless blend of 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon is refined and incredibly elegant, despite its awesome power. Rolland’s judicious use of 80% new French oak adds beautiful warm spice and gemstone polish without interfering with the spectacular terroir-driven essence of this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 

It’s safe to say that 2015 was a turning point in the history of Bellefont-Belcier: Quite simply, everything fell perfectly into place. The critical rise of the château is the result of decades of hard work and fine-tuning. Were expecting to see an increase in price as demand and recognition soar, but for now, this stunning 96-point release is available for the modest cost of $49. As Dunnuck put it: “Don’t miss it.” 

Château Bellefont-Belcier’s modern rise to glory began with the stewardship of Dominique Hébrard, whose family owned the esteemed Château Cheval Blanc until 1999. Under Hébrard’s care, Bellefont-Belcier’s original 17th-century château was upgraded and modernized, both structurally and through investment in higher-quality equipment. Hébrard also applied everything he’d learned about best vineyard practices at Cheval Blanc to Bellefont-Belcier’s farming principles—all factors that have contributed to the quality of the estate’s output today.

The investment group that took the reins at Bellefont-Belcier after Hébrard continued to make improvements and upgrades to the winemaking facility, and most crucially, retained Michel Rolland. The renowned “Flying Winemaker,” author of several 100-point wines, has always held a special place in his heart for his native Right Bank—even as he applied his assemblage talents in America to truly historic bottles from Harlan Estate, Bond, Staglin, and Bryant Family. Thanks to Rolland’s steady hand and excellent rapport with current cellarmaster Jean-Christophe Meyrou, the quality of this Grand Cru Classé has soared.

We had the pleasure of tasting the 2015 with Meyrou last year at the château. The geeky cellarmaster—a compliment in his line of work—was extra enthused about the 2015, and for good reason. Exploding with sumptuous aromas of crushed black cherries, violets, and hints of cassis; incredibly textured, with rich layers of ripe black fruit, plums, and licorice, the 2015 Bellefont-Belcier is an extraordinary example of top-tier Saint-Émilion.

With an abundance of opulent fruit and a “boatload of sweet tannin,” as Dunnuck wrote, this is a bottle to enjoy today AND stash in your cellar for savoring in a decade.