Château Bel-Air Jean & Gabriel 2022
Description
Jean & Gabriel est le résultat d'un coupage à parts égales de Merlot et de Cabernet sauvignon provenant des plus vieilles vignes du domaine, plantées sur un sol argileux bleu à forte teneur en oxyde de fer, très similaire au sol de Petrus. Producteur avec les conseils du prestigieux œnologue Stéphane Derenoncourt, ce vin rend hommage au père et au grand-père des Roi, propriétaires du Château Bel-Air
Fiche technique
Dégustation
Vignoble et élaboration
L'avis des experts
Lovely fragrance on the nose, so scented and perfumed, really expressive and open on the nose. Juicy and supple, gorgeous mouthwatering acidity with quite a compact palate giving a push-pull of freshness and texture. The tannins are at the fore but nicely fill the mouth with fleshy black and red fruit - filling but not harsh. Lots of liquorice and spiced elements but all well integrated. Has a sense of style and polish with plenty of flavour and long length - really sustains interest and lasts and lasts. Will be delicious. Simon and Loic from Derenoncourt. Added two more small plots of 1.5ha so they now have 6.5ha. Soil is the same, only clay, with veins of blue clay especially where the old Merlots are. Average age of vines is 45. Yield of 30hl/ha. Harvest 19 and 20 September for Merlot and Cabernet Franc 23 September. Ageing 16 months, one third new oak in 500l barrels, one third one year old barrels (part 500l, 225l), the rest two year old barrels 225l.
Warm bread with sweet spices and berries. Smooth in the middle. Wood tannins come through on the medium-bodied palate and medium-long finish. Drink from 2026.
Notably less oaky, the 2022 Cuvée Jean & Gabriel from Château Bel-Air reveals a deep, complex bouquet of spices, smoke, licorice and oak mingled with notes of dark berries. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and generously extracted, it has a fleshy core of fruit wrapped in an assertive tannic frame that finishes long and spicy. Allow it some time to integrate its élevage; ideally, keep it in the cellar for one to two years before opening.