Chateau La Mondotte 2010

From a small but mighty 4.5-hectare vineyard perched on a limestone plateau in Saint-Émilion, Château La Mondotte is crafted with precision by the Neipperg family. The 2010 vintage is a classic blend of 80 percent Merlot and 20 percent Cabernet Franc. Hand-harvested and fermented in temperature-controlled wooden vats, the wine was then matured in 100 percent new French oak for around 18 months, creating a bold and age-worthy expression of this prestigious terroir.

Bouquet
The nose opens with a deep swirl of ripe black cherries, cassis and blackberry, layered with dark chocolate, espresso, and a touch of violet. Subtle notes of crushed stone and graphite provide lift and tension, reflecting the limestone soils beneath the vines.

Palate
On the palate, this wine is dense, rich and impeccably structured. Plush black fruit is wrapped around a firm core of ripe tannin and fresh acidity. The oak is beautifully integrated, adding notes of mocha, spice and cedar without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is long, powerful and polished, speaking clearly of its Grand Cru pedigree.

Food Pairing
Pair with dishes that can match its structure and depth. Think slow-cooked beef short rib, roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, or a mushroom and truffle risotto. A classic French cheese board with Comté or aged Gouda also complements it beautifully.

Cellaring
Drinking beautifully now with a decant, but will continue to evolve gracefully through 2040 and beyond. A superb addition to any cellar.

Accolades
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 98 points
James Suckling: 97 points
Wine Spectator: 95 points

Interesting Fact
La Mondotte remained relatively unknown until the 1990s, when Stephan von Neipperg revitalised the estate and turned it into one of Saint-Émilion’s most coveted micro-cuvées. The 2010 vintage is widely considered one of the estate’s greatest ever releases.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%