Domaine de Bel-Air sits high on a hillside overlooking Beaujeu. The vineyards are on the south-facing slopes of Bel Air, here the soil is mainly made-up of a blue granite. The domaine works close to 24 hectares, set since 1840 in a tiny hamlet that was once housed two domaines – the Lafonts rented the second domaine, so now have cuvées in most of the crus.
Jean-Marc took on the domaine from his father in 1986 and has been working the vines ‘lutte raisonée’ for at least 20 years – he’s even thinking about converting some parcels to biodynamics. 40-60% destemming is the approach her, depending on the vintage and the particular parcel.
The domaine managed to produce about 30-40 hl/ha in 2015. Jean-Marc notes that “2015 has a special ripeness of tannin with acidity. The best vintage of my career, though definitely not an easy vintage.”
About 150,000 bottles per year are produced here, including a little négoce for St.Veran, Pouilly-Fuissé and Chiroubles…
Score: 92 Points James Suckling
28 Jan, 2019 – Beautifully focused nose here with a wealth of blue fruit and spice, leading to a very plush and smooth palate that has impressive focus and tannin detail. Drink now.
