2014 La Mondotte (St-Emilion)

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. 92-95 points

The appeal of La Mondotte is partly its rarity value (there are only 9,000 bottles of 2014), but also the concentration, focus and quality of the wine. This is a little on the ripe side, with sturdy tannins and lots of oak, but there`s good underlying freshness and tension to provide balance. 93 points