Château Belair Monange, 1er Grand Cru Classé, St Emilion,

Edouard explained that an enormous amount of effort went into the 2012 vintage. Vineyard workers cut off double-buds, removed third clusters, leaf thinned during the summer and before the harvest, but they felt these methods were required to ensure an even and healthy crop. Belair Monange now incorporates Magdelaine, the neighbouring Moueix estate. The terroir is exceptional south facing limestone slopes and there is always a high toned, complex theme throughout. Distinct and almost poles apart from the Pomerols, this is mineral, floral, and much more linear and precise. The palate is immense, multilayered, fine, incredibly intense and framed by bright, refreshing acidity. This is a very different beast to the Pomerols; the classy limestone terroir really shines through.