BELLEVUE MONDOTTE 2017ST EMILION

WINE ADVOCATE 97+ POINTS – “There was no frost in the vineyard in 2017, due to its elevation. Deep garnet purple in color, the 2017 Bellevue Mondotte is composed of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a little closed to begin, opening out to reveal vibrant notes of crushed blackberries, warm plums, black raspberries and wild blueberries plus wafts of star anise, garrigue and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tension and intense blue and black fruit layers, framed by super firm, super ripe, fine-grained tannins, finishing very long and earthy.”

VINOUS 97 POINTS – “Powerful, dark and explosive, the 2017 Bellevue Mondotte bristles with the energy and tension that is such a signature of this tiny 1.5 hectare Saint-Émilion cru. Graphite, smoke, crème de cassis and menthol race out of the glass. As always, Bellevue Mondotte is a tannic, searing Saint-Émilion with bracing acids and tons of structure. It is also one of the most fascinating wines in Gérard Perse’s lineup.”

WINE SPECTATOR 96 POINTS – “Beautifully rendered, with a long beam of pure cassis and crushed plum fruit, flanked by subtle chalky minerality and backed by violet, anise and smoldering black tea notes. The sleek, lengthy finish pulls everything together with metronomic precision. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2038. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS – “Based on 60% Merlot and 15% each of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, brought up in new barrels, the 2017 Bellevue Mondotte sports a deep, inky color as well as a seamless, seductive, opulent style that’s rarely found in the vintage. Creme de cassis, cold iron, macerated cherries, and toasted spice as well as touch of chocolate give way to a massive, full-bodied, rounded 2017 that already offers tons of pleasure.