Bellevue Mondotte 2016

St Emilion, Grand Cru

Excel download

View All Vintages of this Wine

Units Size Case size GBP Price: Quantities Buy
Tasting Notes

The 2016 Bellevue Mondotte has a heady, quite alcoholic bouquet, as I remarked when tasting it out of barrel, and it lacks the delineation and terroir expression of, say, Pavie Decesse or Pavie. The full-bodied palate offers firm grip, luscious ripe tannin and black cherries mixed with boysenberry jam and fig. The grippy finish is almost oppressive. This is a gargantuan Saint-Émilion – nothing new there – though I would like more precision on the luxuriant finish.

Score: 93

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2025-2055 01 January 2019

The 2016 Bellevue Mondotte is a blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon cropped at 18 hectoliters per hectare because of the old vines and the shallow depth of the earth, 20-30 centimeters until the pickaxe hits limestone. It is matured in 100% new oak, and the alcohol level is 14.84% this year. It has an opulent bouquet with ravishing blueberry and black cherry fruit, crushed violets and a touch of glycerin. The palate is silky smooth on the entry, and whereas I had anticipated being overwhelmed by this Bellevue-Mondotte, it actually retains wonderful elegance and precision. You cannot help but be seduced by this Saint Emilion and its satin-like texture. This is not always my favorite wine from Gérard Perse, as my previous scores attest. However, this year the Bellevue-Mondotte has pulled off a very luxuriant 2016 with a greater sense of control, a wine that should drink beautifully for many years. Tasted twice with consistent notes.

Score: 95 - 97

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2025-2060 28 April 2017

Bellevue Mondotte is magnificent in 2016. Stunningly rich and concentrated, with tremendous structure, the 2016 has so much to offer. Crème de cassis, raspberry jam, lavender, graphite, game, menthol and a whole rush of inky blue/purplish fruit emerge from this explosive, captivating Saint-Émilion. In 2016 Bellevue Mondotte balances sumptuousness with saline-infused energy and persistence. It is without question one of the truly great wines of the vintage.

Score: 98

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2026-2041 01 January 2019

The 2016 Bellevue Mondotte is striking. An explosion of fruit and mineral-drenched overtones make a strong first impression. Remarkably nuanced for such a big, powerful wine, the 2016 possesses exceptional balance from the very first taste. Graphite, smoke, crème de cassis, lavender and menthol are some of the many notes that build into the huge finish.

Score: 95 - 98

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 25 April 2017

90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc % 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. A lush nose of sweet confit red and black stone fruits, creamy vanilla and spices is thick and rich with sweet fruit in the mouth. Concentrated Merlot with very polished tannins and very long on the finish.

Score: 94 - 95

Albany Vintners, - 19 April 2017

Blackish crimson. Sweet blackberry compôte plus cumin. Lots of flavour but awfully drying on the end. Maybe this will come right eventually but I'd prefer a wine that's capable of giving pleasure in youth too. Grating, grainy tannins. (16++ Points)

Score: 16

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2028-2043 13 April 2017

Very, very solid, showing a core of delicious blackberry and dark plum fruit laced with anise and light bramble notes. Has a dose of toast, but it’s integrated and the finish has drive, thanks to a buried chalky spine.

Score: 92 - 95

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 10 April 2017

There’s a vibrance and brilliance that gives this wine focus and energy. Medium body, ultra-fine tannins and a long and beautiful finish. Very fine.

Score: 96 - 97

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 04 April 2017