James Suckling 95pts

A dense, rich red, yet the tannins are so fine and integrated with beautiful texture and finesse. It’s full-bodied, showing pretty balance and refinement with lots of exotic fruit and richness.

Jeb Dunnuck 94

I continue to love this Saint-Emilion, which hails from a 12.5-hectare vineyard located just beside Larcis Ducasse, on the Côte Pavie hillside. Based on 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Château Bellefont-Belcier's deep purple hue is followed by a ripe, medium to full-bodied 2018 with loads of blueberry and currant bud-like fruits as well as notes of leafy tobacco, spring flowers, truffle, and earth.

Decanter 94

Impressive linearity and salinity. For once, I notice the winemaking, with greater fruit purity such as juicy plum and ripe blackberry. Gone is the drying finish of noticeable oak tannin from earlier vintages. 'In 15 years, this wine will be praised by all for its precision and freshness,' says estate consultant, Thomas Duclos. It is already lovely. Picking began on 20 September, much earlier in comparison to a previous solar year such as 2015 which saw no picking at all in September. Long finish. Enjoy with seared duck with mushrooms and roasted potatoes.

Vinous 93

The 2018 Bellefont-Belcier is superb. Expressive floral and savory top notes play off a core of inky dark fruit in a potent, heady Saint-Émilion loaded with character. Rose petal, lavender, spice and inky red/purplish fruit all open in the glass. The brooding tannins that once penalized this wine have been replaced by a great sense of finesse, and 2018 was just the first vintage. There is plenty to look forward to in future years. 

Wine Advocate 92+

A blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Bellefont Belcier has a deep garnet-purple color and classic notes of warm plums, blackberry preserves and cedar chest, plus wafts of lavender, clove oil and chocolate box. The medium to full-bodied palate is impressively well-poised with soft, rounded tannins and just enough freshness supporting the juicy black fruits, finishing with a bright, cheery skip in its step. Lots to love here!

Wine Spectator 90

Soft-edged and seductive, with creamed plum and steeped raspberry notes laced with hints of sweet spice and red tea. A pretty savory echo extends the finish nicely.