Château Bellevue-Mondotte

Grapes for this wine come from the plateau with yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare. Composed of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with a 3.5 pH and 14.56% alcohol, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Bellevue Mondotte slowly unfurls to offer profound scents of chocolate-covered cherries, preserved plums, blackberry compote and espresso, with hints of candied violets, tapenade, cast-iron pan and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied, opulently fruited palate is laden with black fruit and earthy layers, supported by a solid foundation of firm, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and perfumed. It's tempting to drink now, but give it a good 5 years in bottle for maximum impact and drink it over the next 25 years or more.

Blacker than black at the core. Super-intense and ripe but charry too. Thick, dense tannins, not harsh but so compact they need to unfurl. Savoury on the finish. Hard to believe the pH is as low 3.5 because the freshness is not particularly striking, but this is what I am told.

This is really refined with intense tannins that are wonderfully polished, yet powerful. So much crushed stone, mineral, blackberry and blueberry with black-olive and lavender undertones. It’s full-bodied with composure and purpose and a long finish. Chalk undertones. Tight at the end. Small production. Try after 2025.