(JS 96-97 points) This well-defined and sophisticated wine shows a gorgeous center-palate of near perfectly ripe fruit. Lots of dark berries and minerals with some pine, while the texture is full and compact with layers of well-integrated, fine tannins. The finish is seamless. Just a hint of salt at the end of the pretty fruit. 72% merlot, 18% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon.

Wonderful wet stone freshness and vividly floral. Tasted twice, with one sample showing especially savoury aspects but both with polished tannin and impressive structure from the ripe Cabernet Sauvignons, especially. Crafted from grapes picked between 19 September and 5 October, this wine shows superb lift on the long finish, with salinity and freshness, and a hint of fine chocolate leaves the impression of 'contained opulence'. Ageing in 30% new oak, the pH is 3.56.

(JL 93-95 points) Spice, crushed rocks, flowers, red plums, incense, and mint create the nose. On the palate, the wine is racy, silky, lifted, elegant, and polished, with cocoa-topped black cherries, and plums from start to finish. The wine blends 72% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.14.5% ABV, 3.56 pH. Harvesting took place September 19 – October 5. Drink from 2027 – 2048.

(WA 93-95 points) The 2023 Bellefont Belcier demonstrates this property's continuing renaissance, exhibiting more density and seriousness as the team starts to get the best out of their holdings on the plateau of Saint-Émilion overlooking the slopes that surround the château. Offering up aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with hints of burning embers and iris, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, with a layered core of fruit, powdery structuring tannins and a long, penetrating finish. - William Kelley

Fresh aromatics, attractive raspberry leaf and violet, deeply coloured, well textured, there is clear oak influence, but it is well integrated, and the texture has resistance and rise through the finish. Good quality. 30% new oak. 45hl/ha yield, Vignobles K owners.

(JD 92-94 points) The 2023 Château Bellefont-Belcier is beautiful, with a more focused, elegant, mineral-laced style. Black raspberries, chalky minerality, and spring flowers are just some of its nuances, and it's medium-bodied, with a supple, layered mouthfeel, ripe yet present tannins, and a solid spine of acidity. It's going to need some time, but it's clearly a beautiful wine. The blend is 72% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon, resting in 30% new oak, with 40% in once-used barrels and 30% in foudre.

(VN 92-94 points) The 2023 Bellefont-Belcier is dark, pliant and super-expressive. This heady, explosive wine is packed with dark fruit, gravel, incense and licorice. Pencil shavings, lavender and chocolate linger on the potent, resonant finish. Interestingly, Bellefont-Belcier was once quite opulent. Consulting winemaker Thomas Duclos dialed it back starting with the 2018 vintage but now seems to be searching for more of a middle ground. Tasted three times. -- Antonio Galloni

(TWI 90-92 points) A blend of 72% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Bellefont-Belcier 2023 has a deep garnet-purple color. It storms out of the glass with powerful scents of baked plums, boysenberry preserves, and cedar chest, followed by hints of tar, garrigue, and iron ore. The medium-bodied palate is a little oak-dominated at this stage, with a great core of black fruits and ripe, rounded tannins, finishing earthy. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown