I was blown away by the 2015 Château Bellefont Belcier and this knockout red is a blend of 72% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon that was brought up in 80% new barrel. This estate covers 13.5 hectares of prime real estate, sitting just beside Larcis-Ducasse on the plateau and south-facing hillside of the Côte Pavie. Loads of blackcurrants, black cherries, truffle, licorice and hints of chocolate all emerge from this opulent, full-bodied, inky-colored red that has boatloads of sweet tannin, a rich, deep mid-palate, and a great, great finish. There’s a little over 5,000 cases of this beauty, don't miss it. Tasted twice.

Love the nose of blackberries, black truffles, oyster shell and wet earth. Full-bodied, layered and fantastic. Firm and silky tannins and a juicy finish. Gorgeous complexity.

Powerful, dense and explosive, with notable thrust to the red cherry, plum, leather and licorice flavors, the dramatic, full-throttle 2015 Bellefont-Belcier is every bit as impressive as it was from barrel. Dark red cherry, mocha, new leather and spice build into the racy, voluptuous finish. The tannins need time to soften, but all the elements are in the right place. In a word: terrific.

The 2015 Bellefont Belcier is a blend of 68% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 20 months in 80% new and 20% one-year-old barrels. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it has lovely cassis, red currant and black raspberries scents with touches of underbrush, pencil lead and dried herbs. The medium to full-bodied palate is firm, chewy and rich with good expression and a long earthy finish.

This sports an ample core of gushy blackberry and raspberry pâte de fruit flavors, lined with black licorice details and carried by a lively bramble note. A strong apple wood edge emerges on the finish, melding into the fruit. Displays good cut and drive.