Chateau La Mondotte 2021

JAMES SUCKLING: "Blueberries, dark chocolate, lavender and sage aromas follow through to a medium body with polished and refined tannins that are integrated but give a sense of strength and muscular tone. Elegance with structure. Closed now, it needs time to soften. Exceptional for the vintage. Better after 2028."

WEINWISSER: "Der La Mondotte 2021 beweist sein grandioses Terroir mit feinsinniger Größe und kalkiger Frische, dieser SaintÉmilion ruht in sich selbst. Dunkle Farbe. Süß, intensiv und reif in der Nase, weit gefasst und raumgreifend, komplex und allumfassend. Auch im Mund präsentiert er sich als satter, frischer, weiter und extrem tiefgründiger St.- Émilion mit großer Struktur und kalkiger Salzigkeit. Fein gewobene Gerbstoffe, ewig weit und lang aufgespannt."

DECANTER: "Lovely ripe raspberry and strawberry flavours with pink floral scents, really appealing aromatics jumping out the glass. Smooth and so vibrant, such vivacity, the brightness coming through strongly with such a brilliantly textured mid palate - it's silky but with concentration and intensity yet also an aerial feel to this. You got the depth and density without the weight. Crunchy, crisp, totally joyous. No hiding here, a pure expression. Not heavily structured but I love the energy, so fruity but also with a salinity on the finish that peaks the interest. One I definitely wanted another glass of. Gorgeous presentation of the terroir and the overall purity on show is commendable. No mildew or frost in 2021. A yield of 45hl/ha. Certified organic."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Flowers, citrus, black raspberries, plums, wet earth, herbs, and salty crushed stones define the perfume, as well as the core of the wine. On the palate, the wine is bright, fresh, chalky, vibrant, and mineralistic, giving the fruit a salty edge, adding to its medium-bodied, bright, character. The wine blends 85% Merlot with 15% Cabernet Franc. Normally, La Mondotte is a wine requiring aging before it really begins to express itself. However, you can enjoy this within a year or two of release. Drink from 2026-2048."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 50% new barrels, the 2021 La Mondotte is another floral, perfumed, impressive wine. Red and black raspberries, spring flowers, rose petals, and chalky minerality all define the bouquet, and it's medium-bodied, with fine yet present tannins, terrific balance, and outstanding length. I’d certainly love a glass today, but it will ideally be given 3-5 years of bottle age and will put a smile on your face any time over the following 15+ years."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, dezente Randaufhellung. Frische dunkle Waldbeeren, ein Hauch von Roten Johannisbeeren, feine Herzkirschen, kandierte Orangenzesten. Mittlerer Körper, rotbeerige Textur, feine, seidige Tannine, salzig im Abgang, ein Hauch von Ribiseln, delikater, leichtfüßig wirkender Stil."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Delivers extroverted fruit, with cassis and plum puree notes leading the way, backed by the vintage's savory austerity, though the fruit wins out fairly easily. Reveals pretty floral and red tea accents that glide through on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2036. 1,600 cases made."