La Mondotte 2005

Incredible velvety texture, refined tannins, noble taste including the classic truffle undertones of the area, very intelligent winemaking. Super-first growth level. Drink from 2013.

Made by the brilliant Stephan von Neipperg, the 2005 La Mondotte has soared in quality during its year in barrel, which is not surprising for wines that are treated so minimally and often take a year or more to form their personalities. A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc from a 13-acre vineyard planted in clay and limestone soils, above Gerard Perse’s Chateau Pavie-Decesse, this 50-year-old vineyard was cropped at 20 hectoliters per hectare. A cold maceration, Burgundy-styled pigeages, and aging on its lees have resulted in a monumental effort of great intensity that rivals both the 2000 and 1998 La Mondottes. A dense purple color is followed by a sumptuously sweet bouquet of graphite, espresso roast, black cherries, blackberries, and a hint of wet rocks. Powerful tannin supported by an amazing, multi-layered, full-bodied wine with enormous richness suggest this will be another modern day legend from La Mondotte. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040+

The greatest La Mondotte since the 2000 and 1998, the 2005 (which was cropped at 20 hectoliters per hectare) possesses a black/purple color in addition to a sweet bouquet of graphite, espresso roast, pain grille, blackberries, and cherries. Textured, full-bodied, powerful, and gorgeously proportioned, it was fashioned from a classic combination of Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Franc (20%). Anticipated maturity: 2011-2026.

Fabulous aromas of blackberries and black licorice. Hints of flowers. Full-bodied, with lots of velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Massive. Pure fruit. Incredible

Dark purplish crimson. Still in malo. Rich and very ripe flavours - then very gentle tannins and general palate feel. Quite a knife-edge wine with all that ripeness... Should get there in the end though there is a certain sweet inkiness at present. Drink 2013-25