Vineyards and winemaking
The Vieilles Vignes comes from Bel Air’s well-exposed Montagne-Saint-Émilion vineyards, including a six-hectare clay-limestone plateau with vines more than 40 years old. A further slope carries more clay and younger plantings; Merlot predominates across the estate, giving supple fruit while the limestone contributes freshness and line.
Following vinification, the 2018 spent 12 months ageing in oak and another 12 months resting in bottle. The warm vintage supplied dark-fruit richness, while measured maturation brought cedar and spice without obscuring the freshness of the plateau-grown fruit.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Deep ruby-garnet with a bright core and lightly softened rim.
Nose
Blackberry, black plum and cassis are joined by cinnamon, cocoa and cedar. A trace of tobacco leaf and green pepper lends savoury complexity to the ripe fruit.
Palate
Medium to full-bodied, with concentrated black fruit, dry polished tannins and refreshing acidity. Notes of dark chocolate and graphite emerge on the long, balanced finish.
Food pairing
Pair with roast lamb rump, steak and ale pie, grouse with bread sauce, or lentil and mushroom shepherd’s pie. Its combination of fruit and savoury oak also suits aged Parmesan.
Background story
Bel Air has remained a family estate since Elie Rive acquired its first parcel in 1860. After a career outside wine, François Duverneuil returned in 2005 to renew the property; Anaïs Duverneuil assumed responsibility in 2019, bringing her own experience of viticultural work across leading Bordeaux estates.
Sommelier’s Choice is delighted to have privileged access to a back catalogue of strong Right Bank vintages from Bel Air. This family-owned, boutique producer closely reflects our aim to offer wines of real origin and value, with enough bottle age to show their development.
