Château La Mondotte 2022

Smoky bouquet, plums, blackberries, great depth, noble roasted notes; full-bodied on the palate, almost two mouthfuls of wine, sweet fruit core, silky tannins; becomes more vertical on the mid-palate, showing freshness and length. A wine monument, built for a small eternity.

Rich and nicely layered, with steeped blackberry and black currant forming the core, while singed alder, black tea and warm earth accents fill in liberally throughout. The long, beguiling finish reveals a subtle chalky underpinning as a violet note chimes lengthily. A very poised wine. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2042. 1,320 cases made.

Intensely floral and perfumed, rich, open and generous – quite intense, with a slightly ripe and alcoholic nose. Bold but precise, with lovely depth and density to the plush, ripe blackcurrant and black cherry fruit. A superb sharp vein, mineral with bite and tang, slightly strict and tense on the one hand but soft, smooth, round and chewy on the other, giving a push-pull of power and vibrancy. Clearly concentrated and powerful, yet engaging, and it will age very well. Quite massy, but I love the juicy core and elevated acidity that give it life. Mineral, salty, graphite and stony-laced tannins leave a lasting impression, creating a moreish aftertaste. Fresh and finessed, yet strong, broad and intense. Yield of 45 hl/ha. 40% new oak barrels.

This is so floral with violets and dried rose petals on the nose as well as raspberries and blueberries. Medium-bodied, it has very fine tannins that grow in the finish, giving a salty and chalky impression. Positive austerity at the end. A cooler, higher-energy La Mondotte. Wow. Drink after 2029 but already fascinating to taste.

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Certified organic. Cask sample. Dark and red fruit with a saline edge. Suave and round on the palate but firm as well, a chalky freshness adding another dimension. Plenty of restraint but the power is there. Perhaps a touch more finesse this year. (JL)

Flowers, sea salt, mint leaves, licorice, spice, and red fruit aromatics burst on the nose. On the palate, the wine is concentrated, powerful, long, rich, and intense. The fruits envelop your palate with layers of black and dark red fruits, influenced by oyster shells, finishing with uplift, length, depth, and richness. Elegant in nature, the long finish harmonizes its mineral-driven aspect with its power and freshness. The wine blends 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. 2029-2060.

Deep dark ruby, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Fine nuances of liquorice, black cherries and tangerine zest, cool bouquet, mineral touch. Taut, sturdy, elegant, fresh acidity, ripe, supporting tannins, red berryish and lively finish, full of finesse, a versatile food wine.

Another absolute stunner from the Right Bank in the vintage, the 2022 La Mondotte just about jumps out of the glass with its intense yet also complex and elegant profile carrying pure cassis and black raspberry fruit, some crushed stone and violet nuances, medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins, and just awesome length on the finish. It has the inherent richness and power of the vintage yet is seamless, graceful, and just incredibly compelling. Its purity is off the charts. You can safely enjoy bottles today, yet I would still do my best to hide them in the cellar for 7-8 years if you can. It will certainly have 2-3 decades over overall longevity.

Fresh flowers of lilies, peonies and roses on the opening aromatics, heading towards cherry pit and raspberry purée fruits. This works within the vintage but gives quite a different expression of it, with nuance and charm. Ludovic de Niepperg, winemaker, who previously worked at Harlan in Napa before returning to the family estates. 40% new oak, 45 hl/ha yield, harvest September 3 to 23. Certified organic since 2014, no-till farming since 2022. An estate set between Troplong Mondot and Tertre Roteboeuf, on silt-sand and clay soils above limestone mother rock, with vines aged between 30 and 60 years old.

A bouquet that blends hedonism and minerality with poise. Pure on the palate, velvety, fresh, with linear flavors that remain distinctly mineral. A Mondotte marked by restraint, very classy.