Appellations

La Mondotte 2014

St Emilion, Grand Cru

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Tasting Notes

The 2014 La Mondotte has a lucid, purple color with fat tears on the glass. It feels rich, opulent and rather ostentatious on the nose, although you cannot deny the purity of fruit: cassis and blueberry at first, then a touch of cherry liqueur. The palate is full-bodied with an almost viscous opening. This is a dense and powerful La Mondotte, almost muscular, perhaps not quite as velvety smooth as other vintages, but very spicy and peppery towards the persistent finish. It does not quite convey the complexity that I have found on other vintages, although several years in bottle should see this develop into something less oppressive and more interesting. (93+)

Score: 93 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2023-2040 Date: 31 March 2017

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.

Score: 92 - 94 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2020-2045 Date: 01 April 2015

Wonderfully fragrant with red fruits and a floral nose. This is so concentrated, but also super bright with very finely grained tannins that gently build on the very long finish. Hard not to drink now, but this will improve for years to come.

Score: 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 13 February 2017

A beautiful wine with a creamy, silky and delicately fruity character with a savory and citrusy finish. Full body yet balanced and refined.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 23 March 2015

A stunningly pure expression of currant, raspberry and plum fruit that stretches out over a live wire of minerality, showing remarkable definition and length. This hums as effortlessly as a tuning fork, with perfect pitch. Best from 2020 through 2040.

Score: 96 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2020-2040 Date: 11 January 2017

A sleek, wiry wine, with lovely definition and a coiled feel, featuring a core of raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit waiting to unwind. A serious chalky spine bolts everything down for now. This needs time, but shows great length and precision.

Score: 94 - 97 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 01 April 2015

One of the highlights of the vintage, Stephan von Neipperg's 2014 La Mondotte flows out of the glass with vertical structure, firm, incisive tannins add pedigree to burn. Layers of exotic dark red and black hued fruit open up in the glass, followed by hints of lavender, smoke, dried flowers and licorice. The flavors are bold in an explosive, pulsating St.-Emilion that captures the very best qualities of the year. At its best, La Mondotte can be powerful, finessed and sensual, all qualities that come through in the 2014. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc that spend 38 days on the skins.

Score: 94 - 97 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 April 2015