2021 La Mondotte (St-Emilion)

Unwinding in the glass with scents of cherry, sweet berries, dark chocolate and loamy soil, the 2021 La Mondotte is medium to full-bodied, lively and concentrated, with a compact, tightly wound profile, tangy acids and beautifully refined tannins. Of all the von Neipperg wines, this is the most reticent at this early stage, but all the components for a notable success are present. 92-94 points

The 2021 La Mondotte was cropped at 45hL/ha between 30 September and 6 October and matured in 50% new oak. Suave on the nose, it offers dark berry fruit, incense and subtle cassis scents, that are very well integrated. Much less powerful than the La Mondotte of old. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, juicy and ripe, well balanced with a silky smooth finish. Perhaps what is just missing is a little grip and density, but it is well-crafted and fresh as a daisy. 91-93 points

The 2021 La Mondotte is marked by strong calcaire accents and a bit of oak tannin that has not yet fully integrated, as the colder cellar here (vis-a-vis Canon-La Gaffelière) results in wines in barrel that evolve at a slow pace. Like all of the Neipperg wines, La Mondotte shows terrific energy and drive. A burst of dark cherry fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice and spice builds into the deep, resonant finish. There`s a ton of character here. The purity of the flavors is striking. I am so looking forward to tasting the 2021 in bottle. 93-95 points