Chateau Belair-Monange 2021

Region: Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France

Grape: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc

Vineyard Practice: Sustainable

Culinary Suggestions: Grilled Red Meats, Lamb Shanks, Beef Stew, Lamb Chops

Alcohol: 14%

Bottle Size: 750ml

Château Belair-Monange 2021 is a remarkable wine from the prestigious Saint-Émilion region, blending Merlot and Cabernet Franc to deliver a wine of elegance and depth. This historic estate, perched on the limestone-rich slopes of Saint-Émilion, is known for producing wines with exceptional balance and ageing potential.

Origins

 Château Bélair-Monange traces its origins back to Roman times. Situated at the highest point of Saint-Émilion’s renowned limestone plateau, it has long been considered one of the region’s very best crus. In 1850 it was ranked by Cocks & Feret as the leading wine of Saint-Émilion, a position it held well into the twentieth century. Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix purchased the iconic property in 2008 and immediately undertook extensive renovations of the vineyard, winery, underground quarries, and château in order to restore the cru to its earlier historic status. Originally known as Château Bélair, the property was renamed following the acquisition; in addition to its literal translation, ‘my angel,’ ‘Monange’ was the maiden name of Jean-Pierre Moueix’s mother, Anne-Adèle, the first Moueix woman to call Saint Émilion her home. Château Bélair-Monange combines the terroirs of the most privileged sites of Saint Émilion. The limestone from the central plateau parcels offers freshness, minerality, and delicate, lingering aromatics, while the dense, blue clay of the slopes provides intensity, length, and a unique elegance to the wine. 

Cork Tasting Notes

The 2021 vintage offers vibrant aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and floral notes, with a touch of crushed stone and subtle oak. On the palate, the wine is refined yet powerful, showing layers of red and black fruits, intertwined with mineral undertones and fine tannins. The Cabernet Franc adds freshness and structure, lifting the Merlot’s opulence and giving the wine its trademark finesse.

Critic Reviews

93+ points

William Kelley, Wine Advocate Feb 2024

The ethereal 2021 Belair Monange shows its limestone terroir front and center in this cooler vintage, unwinding in the glass with notes of sweet cherries, minty red berries, raw cocoa and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, suave and polished palate that's pure, lively and mineral, concluding with a saline finish.

Drink 2027 - 2045