Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts

Ch. Belair Dubois Challon 2000

Quite delightful; subtle, mature, ripe, red-fruited; whiff of fresh strawberry punnet and pomegranate on the nose, with an overlay of morello richness and lurking decay. On the palate it is resolved, laid back; quietly classy, nuanced, gentle, low key, light touch, old school. It is not especially complex but you do not always want the distraction of a magical mystery tour. This and the 2004 are in the sweet spot.

Belair has always been a Saint Émilion full of élégance, instead of trying to be too much.

I liked the Belair i had in the past, and liked the 95,96, 98, 00, 01, 04.

I have several bottles of the 2004 of this. It has an appealing classical almost sourness to it, quietly substantial. Lacks an extra level to to be a great wine but a good wine in a style seemingly no longer made

I wonder how long the 04 will last, when I last had it in 2019 I think it didn’t seem to be slowing down

In all my years I still have never tried a Belair

AKR wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 5:25 pm In all my years I still have never tried a Belair

I’ll send you a 2004 if you want. I bought a case at $20/bottle way back when and doesn’t feel like I’ll ever drink through them

Racer Chris also picked up a case for a bargain recently and may have a few left.

This wine was a star at our Magdelaine vertical last October, which did not particularly reflect well on the Magdelaines but the 2004 Belair really shone that might. As did the 2000.

Comte Flaneur wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 8:15 pm Racer Chris also picked up a case for a bargain recently and may have a few left.

I'm down to three, trying to keep my hands off them for a little while longer.

Coincidentally I was offered a pristine case of the 1982.

marcs wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 7:20 pm

AKR wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 5:25 pm In all my years I still have never tried a Belair

I’ll send you a 2004 if you want. I bought a case at $20/bottle way back when and doesn’t feel like I’ll ever drink through them

That's very gracious, but hold onto it til I meet the DMV crowd in person!

AKR wrote: ↑Fri Apr 07, 2023 6:28 am

marcs wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 7:20 pm

AKR wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 5:25 pm In all my years I still have never tried a Belair

I’ll send you a 2004 if you want. I bought a case at $20/bottle way back when and doesn’t feel like I’ll ever drink through them

That's very gracious, but hold onto it til I meet the DMV crowd in person!

It will definitely come out for BWE 2024, but also before then if you’re in DC!