The aromas of blackberries, iodine, oyster shell, violets and lavender are so impressive. Full-bodied, dense and beautifully balanced and refined. Transparent. Real. True beauty. Nothing adding. Organically grown grapes. Drink in 2023.

The 2015 La Mondotte is super-concentrated, rich and unctuous, with serious intensity in all of its dimensions. Black cherry, blackberry, bittersweet chocolate, leather and licorice add to an impression of brooding, virile power, while beams of supporting tannin extend the finish. Today, La Mondotte is more about power than finesse. The 2015 needs at least a few years to shed some of its formidable tannin and baby fat. Tasted two times. vinous.com, February 2018

The 2015 La Mondotte, which was bottled on 21 June 2017, has a much more refined bouquet compared to en primeur, its barrel maturation having tempered the aromatics. Blackberry, redcurrant, cold wet stones, a touch of flint and later hints of iris come forth, all very well delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with sensual, silky tannin. The acidity is perfectly judged, lending this La Mondotte exquisite harmony and an almost understated nature. It just glides across the palate and reveals great precision on the finish. Outstanding. (robertparker.com)

Gorgeous, with dark blackberry and boysenberry fruit rippling along from start to finish, carried by mouthwatering anise notes. The long finish unfurls slowly, dripping with fruit while maintaining poise. Stunning.

The 2015 La Mondotte is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc picked on 18 September and 7 October respectively, then aged in 80% new oak after a 33-day vatting. It has a dense, opulent and very concentrated bouquet that is driven by the super-intense Merlot, though as I mention in my accompanying introduction, the alcohol is contained and not at all apparent. The palate is very well balanced with rounded, supple tannin. There is a lot of weight in the mouth here, very focused and intense with blackberry and raspberry fruit, fine mineralité and tension, leading to an almost pixelated finish. This is an impressive La Mondotte for sure, though the 2015 Canon la Gaffeliere might offer more intellect. (NM)

Typically the most large-scaled, long-lived and powerful wine of the Von Neipperg estate. Deep, dark, richly spiced, exotic nose. Pure and intense. Lively, rich, energetic, bright and balanced. Fine.

85% Merlot, 80% new oak. Blackish crimson. Exotic, opulent nose. Not the massive wine of yesteryear. Quite controlled and just about enough refreshment. Chewy tannins on the end. Not so much my style as its stablemates Clos de l'Oratoire and Canon La Gaffelière, but some will prefer it. Unlikely to be such good value though. Awkward tannins on the end.
Drink 2024-2034

From the moment the wine hits your plate, you know this is special. The fruits are on the black cherry and plum liqueur side. The wine is dense, yet light on its feet. Polished and stony, there is weight and density. The wine builds in intensity on the palate, leaving you with a finish that sticks with you for at least 60 seconds. This is a unique tasting experience that really leaves an impression.