Chateau La Mondotte 2018

Professional Ratings

• 98 James Suckling

  Blackberry, plum, mushroom and wood undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Savory and fleshy texture on the palate. Well balanced. Flavorful finish with length. Such polish and composure for a young wine. So classy! Try after 2026.

• 97 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  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 tannin's 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. Rating : 97+

• 96 Wine Spectator

  This packs in some solid plum sauce, cassis and cherry reduction aromas and flavors, which hold sway throughout while hints of roasted alder, sweet tobacco and ganache fill in. Lovely, buried minerality keeps it all well-supported throughout. Built for the cellar. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2024 through 2038.

• 96 Jeb Dunnuck

  Coming from a cool terroir situated near Pavie Decesse and based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 La Mondotte reveals a dense purple hue to go with a rich, yet classic, regal, full-bodied style delivering impressive blue fruits, graphite, scorched earth, and liquid violet aromas and flavors. It's concentrated and powerful, yet it's the balance, purity of fruit, and quality of tannin's that set it apart. Do your best to hide bottles for 5-7 years, and it's going to evolve for 30+.

• 93 Decanter

  Concentrated, as this wine often is, with a silky texture and rich damson fruits, layered deeply with liquorice and chocolate. The Neipperg polish is on display in abundance. This is serious, poised and impressive. A good decade needed here before opening. Certified organic. Drinking Window 2028 - 2042