Château Bélair, Saint-Émilion

Whisper it quietly in France, but Château Bélair was originally founded by Robert Knolles, a Knight from Cheshire. When not making mischief during the Hundred Years War, he set a precedent for generations of Englishmen to come and find themselves a holiday home in the South West of France.

Located at the highest point of the fabled limestone plateau in Saint-Émilion, and neighbouring Château Ausone, the first documents of vines on Château Bélair are in 1730 - planted by his descendants and remaining in the family until 1916. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries it was regarded as the finest wine in Saint-Émilion. The Château is now owned by the Mouiex Family. It was renamed Bélair-Monange, meaning 'My Angel', after Anne-Adèle Monange, mother of Jean-Pierre Moueix. 

The 1947 Vintage

As a lover of old Bordeaux and history, this bottle, recently discovered in a fine Hampshire cellar, piqued my interest. Château bottled and looking in remarkable condition - this rare offering might just give an exciting insight into Saint-Émilion in 1947. A strikingly hot vintage and harvested in near tropical weather, the sugar levels had never been seen before, resulting in very volatile fermentation conditions. For those who got it right, it produced staggeringly rich, Rubenseque, hedonistic wines. Often described as Port-like when young, many right bank wines have taken on almost mythical status.

As always, it is right to remind you that at this age, there are no great wines, just great bottles and with no tasting notes available, the new owner of this bottle will be taking a bold but alluring adventure back in time.

Auction Details

This is a live online auction with an auctioneer. The auction will take place on Tuesday 19 March (starting at 10.30am GMT) at Forum Auctions in London, but please note all wine and spirits are stored off-site at LCB Eton Park. Bidding is available in person at Forum Auctions, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids through Dreweatts. Please contact Dreweatts to register all commission bids or telephone bids by 12 noon GMT the day before the sale.

Browse the auction!
Sign up to email alerts

THINKING OF SELLING? 
Our specialists can provide valuations on single bottles and entire cellars, as well as advice on starting and maintaining your cellar. For further details or a free auction valuation, please contact: 

Dreweatts Wine Department
Mark Robertson | Caroline Shepherd | Violette Jongbloed | Dianne Wall
Direct tel: +44 (0) 1635 553 527
Main tel: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553
E-mail: wine@dreweatts.com