The 2019 Bellefont Belcier is delineated and focused on the nose with pure blackberry, briary, crushed stone and cedar scents, the oak here nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, cohesive and smooth, blackberry and white pepper tinged with cedar towards the finish. This sashays along in style, and it is very promising. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. 94 points

Bellefont-Belcier is now fully owned by Peter Kwok, after a number of years with rotating chairs of owners and co-owners. Plenty of layers going on here, alongside silky tannins. Smooth and appealing as in 2018 but with a more serious slant, and some excellent depth of fruit and intent. Really like this wine, feels like it is stepping into a more recognisable style - as it should in its location next to Pavie. 40% new oak, 3.7pH. 94 points

Composed of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Bellefont Belcier came in at nearly 14% alcohol (13.95%) and a pH of 3.7, with yields this year at 41 hectoliters per hectare. It is being aged in French oak barrels, 40% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it offers intense scents of stewed plums, blackberry preserves and boysenberries with hints of mocha, menthol, pencil lead and cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of spice-laced black fruits, with a chewy texture and lively backbone, finishing on a lingering minty note. 90-92 points