2018 La Mondotte Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Wow. This is very dense and powerful with linear tannins and vivid acidity that run straight through the center of the wine. It’s full-bodied with great freshness. Loads of blackberry character and a salty-mineral undertone. Extremely long in the finish. - jamessuckling.com, April 2019

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.

Perfumed, mineral and tight. HUGE tannins play before immense freshness and power. Intense, driving mid palate with real vigour and clarity of red and citrus fruit. Long finish which shows great minerality. Very impressive. - April 2019

The 2018 La Mondotte is another incredibly classy wine from proprietor Stefan von Neipperg and comes from a beautiful terroir situated above Pavie Decesse. A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc brought up in 70% new French oak, it offers a seamless display of crème de cassis, crushed violets, and a liquid rock-like minerality. Full-bodied, with massive amounts of fruit, full-bodied richness, and building tannins, it’s an infant and will require 4-6 years of bottle age, but it’s a brilliant Saint-Émilion that will keep for 2-3 decades. - jebdunnuck.com, May 2019

The 2018 La Mondotte is one of the highlights in this vintage. A rich, extravagant Saint-Émilion, La Mondotte retains a surprising amount of nuance and detail for a wine of its size. Crème de cassis, lavender, mint, spice and licorice all run through this sumptuous, full-throttle wine. Bright saline notes add energy and vibrancy. Simply put, the 2018 is stunning. - Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, May 2019

The 2018 La Mondotte was picked from 20 September until 5 October at 40hL/ha and matured in 70% new oak. It has an impressive bouquet with pure black cherry and raspberry/cranberry aromas that gain intensity with aeration. It is very delineated, the oak nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, quite plush in style with a caressing, candied finish with traces of marmalade and quince on the aftertaste. This is a superb La Mondotte that will be difficult to resist in its youth.

75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, certified organic, 70% new oak. Barrel sample. Black core with narrow purple rim. Very ripe black fruit, so much so that it's got a touch of black olive. But also spice and dark chocolate. Rich and complex. Powerful and surprisingly juicy but the tannins are just a touch hard on the finish – perhaps it's the alcohol effect? (JH)

Black core with narrow purple rim. Very ripe black fruit, so much so that it's got a touch of black olive. But also spice and dark chocolate. Rich and complex. Powerful and surprisingly juicy but the tannins are just a touch hard on the finish – perhaps it's the alcohol effect? - Julia Harding, jancisrobinson.com, April 2019