2017 Château Bellefont-Belcier

Description

“Very focused and compacted, showcasing extremely polished and firm tannins. Medium-to full-bodied and finely glossy and precise. Dark fruits, wet earth and an intense finish. Excellent length.” James Suckling

“The 2017 Bellefont-Belcier, which was purchased by Peter Kwok last year (see Haut-Brisson, Tour St. Christophe, La Patache etc), was fermented without SO2. It has an extremely rich, decadent bouquet that seems to be trying too hard to make an impression instead of reflecting its propitious terroir. The palate is almost viscous on the entry, extremely concentrated and opulent. One bottle tasted just too ostentatious although another indicated that there is some composure, linearity and tension that prompted a more optimistic view and a higher banded score. Drink 2021 – 2035.” Neal Martin for Vinous

“The 2017 Bellefont-Belcier is deep, unctuous and powerful, with tremendous depth and structure to back up the fruit. Inky blackberry, chocolate, spice, new leather, lavender and blueberry jam are pushed forward in this plush, creamy Saint-Émilion. This is the first vintage made by new owner Peter Kwok. The 2017 will need a few years to come into its own, but it is impressive, even in the early going. Tasted three times.” Antonio Galloni for Vinous

“This has impact and weight, and a good overall structure. It hasn’t reached the heights of recent years, being more austere on this occasion, but is still extremely accomplished. There’s an elegance to the carefully extracted, bright fruit. Drinking Window 2026 – 2038. Jane Anson for Decanter

“The 2017 Bellefont Belcier is deep garnet-purple colored and scented of baked plums and dried mulberries with touches of fragrant earth and underbrush. Medium-bodied, soft and plush, it has plenty of fruit and a gorgeous texture, finishing long.” Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate