Chateau La Mondotte 2018

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "This is a rich, lusciously textured, full-bodied, velvet laced wine that is impossible not to be enthralled by. Inky dark in color, you find flowers, crushed stones, ripe, juicy, fresh, sweet, blackberries, plums, cherries and assorted pit fruits. The intensity in the fruit, levels of depth and concentration, coupled with its gorgeous purity, essences of licorice, espresso, smoke and tobacco leaf with a touch of mint is there from start to finish. This is going to be a cellar treasure that will age and evolve for 2-3 decades with ease. The wine blends 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. Only 1,600 cases were produced."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Blackberry, plum, mushroom and wood undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Savory and fleshy texture on the palate. Well balanced. Flavorful finish with length. Such polish and composure for a young wine. So classy! Try after 2026."

WEINWISSER: "Pechschwarzes Purpur mit undurchsichtiger Mitte. Was für ein feines Parfüm nach Wildkirsche, Sandelholz und Pfeifentabak. Im zweiten Ansatz dunkle Schokotrüffel, Demassine und getrockneter Rosmarin. Am massiven Gaumen ein engmaschiges Tanninkorsett, dahinter eine genial stützende Rasse, die den Körper trotz seiner Wucht in Balance hält und durch den Ring tänzelt wie Muhammad Ali. Im explosionsartigen nicht enden wollenden Finale «schlägt» der Champion dann richtig zu und endet mit kleinen schwarzen Beeren, tiefschürfender Mineralik und dunklem Graphit – ein Wein für die Ewigkeit."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, dezente Ockerrandaufhellung. Dunkle Waldbeeren, reife schwarze Kirschen, kandierte Veilchen, etwas Nougat und Zedernholz, facettenreiches Bukett. Straff, engmaschig, rote Herzkirschen, sehr lebendige Struktur, präsente, reife Tannine, elegant und sehr lange anhaftend, verfügt über Charme und großes Potenzial, ein unwiderstehlicher Wein mit tollem Trinkfluss, unbedingt weglegen."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 La Mondotte strolls nonchalantly out of the glass with expressive scents of plum preserves, blueberry compote and chocolate-covered cherries, followed by suggestions of candied violets, licorice, hoisin and black truffles with a waft of ground cloves. It's medium to full-bodied with seriously impressive tension and wonderfully ripe, velvety tannins supporting the generous black fruit preserves layers, finishing with amazing length and loads of panache. It will require a good 4-5 years to unlock some of its finer nuances, then drink this powerhouse over the next 25+ years."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Coming from a cool terroir situated near Pavie Decesse and based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 La Mondotte reveals a dense purple hue to go with a rich, yet classic, regal, full-bodied style delivering impressive blue fruits, graphite, scorched earth, and liquid violet aromas and flavors. It's concentrated and powerful, yet it's the balance, purity of fruit, and quality of tannins that set it apart. Do your best to hide bottles for 5-7 years, and it's going to evolve for 30+."

WINE SPECTATOR: "This packs in some solid plum sauce, cassis and cherry reduction aromas and flavors, which hold sway throughout while hints of roasted alder, sweet tobacco and ganache fill in. Lovely, buried minerality keeps it all well-supported throughout. Built for the cellar. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2024 through 2038. 1,500 cases made. — JM"

DECANTER: "Concentrated, as this wine often is, with a silky texture and rich damson fruits, layered deeply with liquorice and chocolate. The Neipperg polish is on display in abundance. This is serious, poised and impressive. A good decade needed here before opening. Certified organic."