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La Mondotte 2003

St Emilion, Grand Cru

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Tasting Notes

This cuvee (from an 11+ acre vineyard planted on a clay and limestone plateau above Pavie-Decesse) performed better in January than they did last year. Minuscule yields of 15 hectoliters per hectare and bottling without fining or filtration after 24 months in new oak have resulted in an outstanding 2003 La Mondotte. Revealing more texture, depth, and persistence than I initially predicted, it possesses a dense purple color along with a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, graphite, espresso roast, new saddle leather, and truffles. This opulent, dense, full-bodied, gloriously rich effort can be drunk in 1-3 years, but because of its power, concentration, and overall equilibrium will keep for two decades.

Score: 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2007-2026 30 April 2006

For my taste, this is well behind the quality of the 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, and 1996. It is still a big, chewy wine but seems to have slightly less stuffing than some of its predecessors. Certainly the drought and scorching heat of 2003 had less impact on La Mondotte’s limestone soils than other vineyards. This is a fine wine with a deep purple color and a big, sweet nose of flowers, black currants, espresso roast, and a hint of blackberries. The medium-bodied 2003, a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, reveals less power and depth than previous vintages but still is one of the most interesting wines from St.-Emilion. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2017.

Score: 92 - 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2008-2017 30 April 2005

This vineyard, which sits on the classic clay/limestone hillsides, has enjoyed great success in 2003. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, it exhibits an inky/purple color along with a gorgeously deep, ethereal bouquet of espresso roast, blackberries, creme de cassis, minerals, and flowers. Rich and full-bodied, with low acidity, obvious power, and tremendous elegance as well as definition. Not a blockbuster, it is a beautifully layered, textured St.-Emilion that builds incrementally, revealing tremendous purity and sense of place. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018.

Score: 93 - 96

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2007-2018 30 April 2004