Critic Notes
There was no frost here. Composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 La Mondotte simply sings of gorgeous ripe blackberries, mulberries and black raspberries with touches of sandalwood, lavender, licorice and rose hips plus wafts of garrigue and exotic spices. The palate is medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated with firm, very silky tannins and layer upon layer of black fruits and spices, finishing very long and beautifully perfumed.
Score: 96-98/100Robert Parker
There was no frost here. Composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 La Mondotte simply sings of gorgeous ripe blackberries, mulberries and black raspberries with touches of sandalwood, lavender, licorice and rose hips plus wafts of garrigue and exotic spices. The palate is medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated with firm, very silky tannins and layer upon layer of black fruits and spices, finishing very long and beautifully perfumed. Apr 2018, www.robertparker.com
Score: 96-98/100Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Incredibly complete for the vintage, this cascades with its character of dark chocolate, blackberry coulis and Chinese spices. It’s so very beguiling on the palate with rich yet in-tune black fruit and complemented by regal, surrounding tannins. Bright acid carries this through to a long finish.
Score: 96-97/100James Suckling
Solidly built, with a ganache frame that marries well with the core of fig and plum compote flavors. Tobacco and chalky minerality line the finish, revealing an echo of savory at the very end. Starts big and gains refinement as it moves along.—J.M.
Score: 93-96/100Wine Spectator
The deepest colored in the lineup from owner Stephan von Neipperg, the 2017 La Mondotte comes from a magical terroir covering 11.5-acres of clay and limestone soils located above Pavie and Pavie Decesse. It boasts a vibrant purple color to go with fresh, gorgeously pure notes of blueberries, violets, licorice, and ample minerality. Possessing medium to full-bodied richness, ripe, present tannin, integrated acidity, and a great finish, it doesn’t have the volume or weight of the 2015 and is made in a more elegant, finesse-driven style. It’s a brilliant wine that’s going to need 4-5 years of cellaring and keep for two decades or more.
Score: 93-95/100Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 La Mondotte was picked 14 to 29 September at 26hl/ha, a respectable yield since this was not touched by the frost. It is matured in 60% new oak. It has quite a rich and opulent bouquet with layers of kirsch, wild strawberry, blood orange and rose petals. Sure, it is a little glossy in style although that is usual for La Mondotte at this early stage. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. This feels quite rounded in the mouth, low acidity, sensual in texture with a touch of spice and white pepper towards the sumptuous finish. Without question this is the best of Comte Stephan von Neipperg’s wines this year and a really quite masterful La Mondotte. Tasted three times with consistent notes.
Score: 93-95/Neal MartinDrinking Window: 2022 - 2045
