There are numerous Chateau Bel-Air’s out there. This one happens to be from Lussac, St. Emilion. From magnum, I popped and poured this 8 year old in hopes of brilliance. I am slightly disappointed, but still enjoying. Probably not expensive, it has been in my cellar and almost forgotten for 5 years. The initial nose is very interesting, yielding bluish fruit and a typical Merlot-from-the-right bank kinda smell. On the palate, the fruit doesn’t shine, slightly overshadowed by an imbalance of acidity, but good tannins. This one could last at least 5 more years and maybe flesh out a little to disperse the awkwardness. A guess at its price would give me s decent bottle worthy of 3 stars but needing some cellar time. If I were a pro, a solid 86 pointer and a recommended buy if the price is right.

Birthday weekend and I pulled this magnum out from the cellar for a party. A quick review told me to put it back as the comments were not favorable and it is perhaps past it’s peak. So…. I opened it the next night and finished it the following. Being a magnum, it aged slower than the reviews, and showed typical St Emilion character. The tannins are washing, the nose is nice blue fruit and the balance is good. Not a stunner, but a good buy for $50 in Mag. The pro rating agrees with my 85, and I would give it 3 stars for its ability to hold my interest. It shows some restraint as expected of Old World wine and considering its age, pretty decent. I wouldn’t run out looking for it, and at $50, there are better deals.

It’s never a good start when the cork breaks in half. Nor is it good when the wind has no nose. Did I mention the overpowering acidity on the initial attack? Or the lack of fruit? The tannins are here though….. Not an impressive wine for the extra cash I just parted with. 2 stars and a crappy 83 rating, if I were a pro.