A powerful punch of inky black and blue fruits to the attack, the charm of this steals up on your slowly, with liquorice and bitter black chocolate coming in from the mid palate onwards as the tannins start to relax. There are floral aromatics here also, if you give them time. An extremely well made, carefully controlled and well held together wine that sits comfortably at the top of the classified range, confident of earning its place. 70% new oak. A yield of 51hl/ha. 94 points

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 La Mondotte needs a little coaxing before bursting onto the scene with flamboyant scents of plum pudding, blueberry compote, blackberry pie and red roses. Further swirling reveals provocative, emerging notes of sandalwood, cracked black pepper, baker`s chocolate, unsmoked cigars and crushed rocks plus a waft of black truffles. The medium to full-bodied palate is an exercise in poise and sophistication, featuring the most exquisitely ripe, velvety tannins and amazing freshness, beautifully countering the intense blue and black fruit layers, finishing with epic length and loads of mineral sparks. Breathtaking! 97-99 points

The 2019 La Mondotte was picked on 19 September to 7 October at 51hl/ha and matured in 70% new oak (this appears to be lowered since a decade or so ago when it regularly saw 100%.) It boasts and opulent, quite ravishing bouquet with red berry fruit, sage, cedar and hints of camphor imparting a light medicinal tincture. The palate is medium-bodied with fine and very lithe tannins that imbue this La Mondotte with a creamy texture. This is another Saint-Émilion without a hair out of place, very sensual and for want of a better word, almost nubile. The 70% new oak is an assiduous decision and allows the terroir to come through on the finish. Excellent. 93-95 points