Edouard Moueix is taking Belair Monange on a ride that we all want to come along with. Made from Cabernet Franc and Merlot on the limestone plateau, this is a gorgeous wine, easily up there with the very best of St-Emilion. The 2016 is buttoned up, with hints of austerity, but it's hard to miss the most gorgeous limestone vertical lift that it displays. It has incredibly poised blueberry and raspberry fruits, showing integrity and confidence, accompanied by hints of caressing oak and cappuccino creaminess as it opens. (JA)

A blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Belair Monange comes strutting out of the glass like a total rock star with gregarious red cherries, blackberries and warm plums scents plus hints of lavender, rose hip tea, powdered cinnamon, cigar box and camphor. Medium-bodied, it completely fills the palate with vibrant red and black fruit layers, framed by a firm backbone of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and perfumed. Drink 2019-2055 (LPB) 97+

The 2016 Bélair-Monange is easily the most closed of all of J-P Moueix’s wines when I taste them together. It is stubbornly tight in the glass and then coquettishly unfurls mineral-rich red berry fruit mixed with rose petals; the perfume is captivating. The palate is well balanced, with velvety tannin and perfectly judged acidity, and very, very harmonious. More and more black fruit seems to join the chorus line toward the finish, which fans out gloriously, demonstrating superlative persistence. The best Bélair-Monange to date, and an accomplished, riveting Saint-Émilion. Drink 2025-2055. (NM)