100 Robert Parker
Perfect, the 2009 La Mondotte boasts an inky/black/purple color as well as sumptuous notes of incense, graphite, licorice, black cherries, blackberries, cedar and forest floor. It is extraordinarily thick and voluptuous with a cool climate minerality that gives the wine an uplift and freshness that is surprising in view of its massive fruit level and high extract. The tannins are abundant, but sweet and well-integrated, as are the acidity, alcohol and wood components. An infant at present, this 2009 requires 6-8 years of cellaring and should keep for three decades.
This fabulous terroir has been fully exploited by proprietor Stefan von Neipperg and his consulting oenologist, Stephane Derenoncourt, since the debut vintage of 1976. Yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare were ridiculously low in 2009 and the blend is dominated by Merlot (80%) combined with 20% Cabernet Franc.
19 Rene Gabriel
80 % Merlot, 20 % Cabernet Franc. 17 hl/ha. Wuchtiges Bouquet, Cassis, Preiselbeeren, Mocca, exotische Hölzer, kandierte Früchte und Spuren von Himbeerendrops, trotz der extremen Reife wirkt das Ding frisch. Wahnsinniges Fruchtkonzentrat, bleibt eigentlich im rotbeerigen Bereich und schmeckt dann doch irgendwie nach Cassis, noch mehlig und muskulös. Ein Rohling der noch durch den Ausbau geschliffen werden muss. Dann erreicht er.
warten (2016 - 2029)
96 Wine Spectator
This is grace and power, delivering stunning Lapsang souchong tea and pain d'épices aromatics, followed by incredibly lush, yet refined blackberry, steeped black currant and dark plum sauce flavors. The long, velvety finish hangs perfectly, with buried minerality giving just the crease for definition. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2015 through 2030. 690 cases made. –JM