Wine Critic
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Château La Mondotte, Saint Emilion, 1er Grand Cru Classe 2020
Critic tasting notes:
"Concentrated, graceful, full-bodied, rich and intense, the array of black, red and blue fruits all touched by accents of crushed rocks and stones hit all the right notes in the nose and on the palate. The mid-palate and finish, with their layers of salt-tinted, perfectly ripe fruits, licorice, mocha, and spice go on and on, leaving you with streams of bitter chocolate, plum liqueur and sea-salts that linger for more than 50 seconds! Not much wine is made here. In fact, the production was about 1,200 cases. Drink from 2026-2055." - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (97/100)
"I typically have a weakness for Canon-la-Gaffelière, with its high percentage of Cabernet Franc, in the Von Neipperg portfolio. But this year, it's the 2020 La Mondotte that takes center stage, offering up aromas of dark berries, plums, licorice, incense and vine smoke, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and vibrant palate of striking harmony and concentration. It's the most seamless, complete wine I've ever tasted from this brilliant clay-limestone terroir." - Robert Parker The Wine Advocate, Reviewed by: William Kelley (96/100)
"Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate narrow rim. Black wild berry aromas underlaid with very fine new oak spices, blackberries, ripe cherries with a fragrant floral note and candied orange zest. Intense, juicy red fruit along with cassis and black cherry fruit, fresh, very well-structured, fine tannins, mineral-salty finish, seems amazingly light-footed, ripe cherry fruit on the aftertaste. Rich, opulent, impressive but needs time." - Falstaff (96/100)
"Blackberries, blueberries and flowers such as lavender and dark roses on the nose. Dried flowers as well. Feels medium-bodied with seamless tannins that spread across the palate. Savory and agile with a weightless feel. Hints of white pepper and salt. Makes you want to taste it. Better after 2026." - James Suckling
Classification
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé B
Drinking Window
2025-2050
Vineyard Notes
Terroir: Clay-limestone.
Harvest Notes
By hand, into small crates to avoid bruising. Sorting before and after destemming. No crushing. The grapes arrive on a conveyor belt.
Maturation
Oaked
Ageing
In new oak barrels (100%) on fine lees. 18 months in average.
Winemaking
Fermentation: In temperature-controlled wooden vats for 28-35 days depending on the vintage. Extraction by pneumatic “pigeage” (punching down the cap).
