Stunning Value at only $17.99!
“The bottled 2016s capture every bit of the potential I sensed when I started tasting the wines from barrel, prior to en primeur, in January 2017. I found many 2016s to be even better from bottle than they were during the spring futures campaign. The best 2016s are powerful, richly layered, vibrant and stunningly beautiful, not to mention incredibly delicious and alluring. For so many wines and estates, 2016 is an epic vintage.” – Antonio Galloni
Since 1898, Chateau Bel Air has been operated by Roland Coiffe’s family. I first met Roland in 2015, during one of my annual visits to Bordeaux for en primeur. Visiting his family estate is wonderous, as there is none other in the region of Cadillac – Cotes de Bordeaux as impressive, as awe inspiring. The entire span of the estate’s old vine vineyards is nestled against the ancient, limestone Quinsac hill, where the Coiffe family tends parcels of 50 to 75-year-old Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Additional parcels of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are tended for the estate’s well-known Bel Air Blanc. From these old vine parcels come two cuvees, a black label Grand Vin and the ever-popular tan label “Classic”. For 2016, It was the “Classic” which caught the eye and palate of the critics, pulling down high praise and recommendations from both domestic and European critics alike. A blend of 75% very old vine Merlot and the balance old vine Cabernet Franc, the “Classic” indeed lives up to its pedigree as the finest of its appellation. And being from the perfect 2016 vintage only adds to its allure.
Wine Enthusiast: Poised between tannins and dark fruit, with 20 months in oak, this ripe wine has touches of dark chocolate as well as layers of spice and wood aging. All that will change as the rich wine develops. Concentrated and dense, it needs aging. Drink from 2020+
94 points, exceptional
MSRP: $25
Everyday low price: $17.99