CHÂTEAU LA MONDOTTE

One of the highlights of the vintage, Stephan von Neipperg's 2014 La Mondotte flows out of the glass with vertical structure, firm, incisive tannins add pedigree to burn. Layers of exotic dark red and black hued fruit open up in the glass, followed by hints of lavender, smoke, dried flowers and licorice. The flavors are bold in an explosive, pulsating St.-Emilion that captures the very best qualities of the year. At its best, La Mondotte can be powerful, finessed and sensual, all qualities that come through in the 2014. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc that spend 38 days on the skins. Rating: 94-97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2015)

Organically certified. Only 18hl/ha (hail curbed the yield). Impressive depth of fruit. Poweful but finely etched tannins behind. Great persistence - long, minerally finish. Clear stamp of the limestone terroir. (Highly Recommended St-Emilion, Decanter.) Drinking range: 2022 - 2035 Rating: 92 James Lawther MW, decanter.com (Apr 2015)

The La Mondotte 2014 is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc picked on 27 September to 10 October at just 18 hectoliter per hectare. After a cuvaison of 38 days it is being matured entirely in new wood as usual. The nose is very pure and well defined, refined and elegant, actually reminiscent of Château Canon. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannins. The wood is dominant at the moment but there is more than sufficient fruit to cope with that. The acidity here is well judged with plenty of freshness and edginess on the vivacious and refined finish. There is a sense of energy within this La Mondotte that is quite captivating. It is not the most flamboyant that Stephan von Neipperg has ever overseen, but there is a sense of linearity and classicism that renders it very sophisticated. It may merit a higher mark once in bottle. Drinking range: 2020 - 2045 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2015)