Château La Mondotte, St Emilion Grand Cru,

Fresh flowers of lilies, peonies and roses on the opening aromatics, heading towards cherry pit and rapberry puree fruits, this works within the vintage but gives quite a different expression of it, with nuance and charm. Ludovic de Niepperg winemaker, who previously worked at Harlan in Napa before returning to the family estates. 40% new oak, 45hl/h yield, harvest Septmber 3 to 23. Certified organic since 2014, no till farming since 2022. An estate sat between Troplong Mondot and Tertre Roteboeuf, on silt-sand and clay soils above limestone mother rock, with vines aged between 30 and 60 years old.

The 2022 La Mondotte is made up of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc with a pH of 3.48. Yields were 45 hl/ha, and it is aging in 40% new oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a bit of swirling to bring out notes of plum preserves, blackberry preserves, and fruit cake, leading to suggestions of Indian spices, unsmoked cigars, and iron ore. The medium to full-bodied palate is tightly wound with black and blue fruit layers, framed by fine-grained tannins and great tension, finishing long and with great purity.

The 2022 La Mondotte was picked 3 to 22 September at 45hL/ha and matured in 40% new oak. It doesn't quite have the charm of the Canon-la-Gaffelière at the moment, though a pleasant oyster shell note percolates through. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fresh and quite elegant. Tart red fruit toward the linear finish, a dash of spice on the aftertaste. Delicious.