Chateau La Mondotte   La Mondotte

2016 La Mondotte

By Chateau La Mondotte

2016 La Mondotte from Chateau La Mondotte, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

Chateau La Mondotte's ascent to fame in the annals of fine Bordeaux wines has been both meteoric and merited. A jewel in the patchwork of Saint-Emilion's prestigious vineyards, its 2016 La Mondotte bespeaks a vintage where the alchemy of terroir, climate, and human artistry coalesce into an opus of vinous splendour.

 

An Exemplar Terroir's Triumph

The climatic conditions of 2016 imbued the vines of Saint-Emilion with a challenging yet rewarding grow season. Capricious weather patterns ultimately yielded to a benevolent late ripening period. It is within this crucible that the 2016 La Mondotte has forged its distinct identity, intertwining power with elegance. This offering clearly delineates itself from its predecessors—boasting remarkable balance and depth thanks to the cool nights that entrenched the grapes' eloquent flavour complexities.

 

The Investment-Worthy Vintage

In a milieu where discerning collectors and investors seek out treasures with potential for both cellar grace and value accretion, the 2016 La Mondotte stands doughty. A rich tapestry of dark fruits, accented by whispers of truffle and violets, is supported by an underpinning of silky tannins and playful acidity. Aged in new French oak barrels, the harmonious integration of wood underscores one assiduously nurtured under the astute stewardship of Chateau La Mondotte.

The narrative of this wine extends beyond its consumption, translating to an attractively investable asset. For aficionados seeking to round out their portfolios with a prodigious Bordeaux that promises maturity over time while already yielding great sensory pleasure, the 2016 vintage from La Mondotte emerges as an unavoidable proposition.

As one revisits this chapter in Bordeaux’s oenological odyssey, it is the 2016 La Mondotte which dances sensuously across one's mind's eye; an unerring paragon waiting patiently to reveal its full chronicle as it evolves in the guardianship of cellars worldwide.

Market price (HKD)

HK$19,180.00

12x75cl

Highest score

99

POP score

105.79

Scores and tasting notes

97-100

This is a towering display of purity, with unadulterated cassis and raspberry fruit coursing along live-wire acidity while light chalk, anise and black tea notes fill in. Has serious grip, but it’s buried in that jaw-dropping core of fruit. And this has minerality to burn. A stunner.—J.M.

Wine Spectator - The Wine Spectator (James Molesworth)

96-97

Extremely polished and refined red showing blackberry, cedar and milk-chocolate character. Full-bodied and extra long on the finish with such elegance. Love the hint of acidity at the end.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2017

93-95

The 2016 La Mondotte is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc this year, picked between 29 September and 15 October and matured in 70% new oak. The alcohol level is around 14.5%. It has a lucid purple hue in the glass. The bouquet is very perfumed, very pure with luscious red cherries, blueberry and a hint of sloes, the new oak discrete and allowing the terroir to shine through perhaps more than the 2015 last year. The palate is silky smooth on the entry, but underneath the bonnet, there is considerable tannic backbone that certainly can be felt more towards the finish that exerts a light grip. In a strange way, it reminds me a little of Château Canon! Give this 4-5 years once in bottle.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 April 2017

Vintage performance