Chateau La Mondotte 2004

WEINWISSER: "Very dark purple. Very ripe and sumptuous on the nose. Very concentrated but with a spine of classic tannins. Still a little backward but there is no shortage of fruit here! Strong elderberry content. Very fine tannins. Little hint of dark chocolate – very flattering and exciting. Neat, dry finish. Special cuvée from Canon La Gaffelière."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Another brilliant effort from a small, 45-year-old vineyard on the clay and limestone plateau above Pavie and Pavie Decesse, this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc was cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare. A classically structured St.-Emilion, it boasts an opaque purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of black raspberries, creme de cassis, blueberries, espresso roast, and pen ink. Huge tannin, massive body, and tremendous richness as well as depth suggest it will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 20-25."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Still young, but starting to offer its ripe, mineral driven, black cherry, stone, and plum fruits, licorice, smoke and earthy character. Give it a 3-5 more years to develop even more textural and aromatic nuances."

WINE SPECTATOR: "A concentrated nose, showing intense blackberry, vanilla and cedar, with hints of raspberry. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and beautiful fruit that lasts minutes on the palate. Best after 2011. 1,000 cases made."