2003 Château Bellefont-Belcier

Chateau Bellefont Belcier dates back to the seventeenth century as an estate. It was officially founded in the middle of the eighteenth century by Count Louis Francois de Belcier, which is where the estate took the first part of its name from. In 1803, the Count constructed chateau, which he named Bellefont, which gave us Chateau Bellefont Belcier. Bellefont, or Belle Fontaine which translated into beautiful fountains was inspired from the the numerous natural springs that littered the area. In 1889, Chateau Bellefont Belcier was owned by Pierre Faure. Pierre Faure is responsible for building and designing the circular vat house. Rumors persist that the ornate iron work was designed by Gustave Eiffel.

The family sold Chateau Bellefont Belcier in 1871 to Pierre Faure. During the 1960’s Chateau Bellefont Belcier was owned by cousins of the family of François Mitjavile , who still own Tertre Roteboeuf . Back in the early 1960’s the property was sold under the name of Le Tertre, which was made in the cellars of Bellefont Belcier for several years.

Things changed in 1994 when the Labusquire family, descendants of Faure sold the estate to a partnership between three families headed by, Jacques Berrebi, Alain Laguillaumie and Dominique Hebard. By the time September, 2012 rolled around, Chateau Bellefont Belcier, which had been offered for sale for years, was sold to Chinese investors. This sale marked the first purchase of a Bordeaux classified growth by a Chinese citizen. Chateau Bellefont Belcier was purchased by the Wang family from China. The Wang family have interests in several industries, including extensive mineral rights. They also own Juxin Wine & Spirits. It is rumored that the price paid was close to 2,000,000 Euros per hectare, which set a record for a Grand Cru Classe’ property.

Chateau Bellefont Belcier produces Bordeaux wine from a 20-hectare vineyard. The property rests on the south facing Côte Pavie in St. Emilion. It is situated not from Chateau Pavie and just east of Chateau Larcis Ducasse , which is its closest and most famous neighbor.

The 12.5 hectare Bordeaux wine vineyards of Chateau Bellefont Belcier are planted to 70% Merlot , 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon . The vines average 30 years of age. The terroir is clay and limestone. The vines are planted to a density of 6,000 and 8,000 vines per hectare. The wine of Chateau Bellefont Belcier is vinified in traditional, cement vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in French oak and is aged for between eighteen and twenty four months in 80% new, French oak as well. The amount of time in oak varies, depending on the quality and character of the vintage. The wine making is consulted by Michel Rolland .

The wines have improved recently under the under the direction of co-owner and estate manager, Dominique Hébrard. Dominique also owns another small estate in St. Emilion, Château Le Trianon . His family is well known in the Right Bank , as they were previous owners of Château Cheval Blanc , before they sold it to Bernard Arnaud and Albert Frère.