La Mondotte Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2003

A killer wine (I’m so sorry I didn’t buy any), the 2003 La Mondotte is clearly one of the superstars of the vintage. An intriguing perfume of licorice, Asian soy, black currant jam, ripe cherries and subtle toast emerges from this extravagantly rich, voluptuously textured, opulent, full-bodied St.-Emilion. Just coming in to full maturity, it is pure, rich and full. Drink it over the next decade or more.

(an 80/20 blend of merlot and cabernet franc) Deep ruby. Highly aromatic nose combines blackberry, licorice, mint and violet. Wonderfully sweet and floral in the mouth, with penetrating flavors of crushed black fruits. A very dense, thick, broad-shouldered wine with an almost medicinal austerity. Finishes with major, somewhat tough tannins. Very long, but less suave than its stablemate Canon La Gaffeliere. This wine routinely receives an extended elevage Offers very impressive potential.