Bellevue Mondotte, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2008

An extraordinary effort in this vintage, this 2008 was made from lower yields than the 2010 (the 2008's equaled 20 hectoliters per hectare) and is a blend of 90% Merlot and equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that came in at 14% natural alcohol. Michel Rolland has been the consultant for all the Perse estates since their acquisition, and the 2008's fruit was harvested very late, October 20. The result is a backward, dense purple-colored wine revealing a crushed rock-like liqueur along with highly extracted, massive flavors of black currants, sweet cherries, licorice and toast. This full-bodied effort requires 5-6 years of bottle age and should last for 25-30 years.

(90% merlot with 5% each cabernet franc and sauvignon): Saturated ruby. Musky aromas of dark fruits, coffee, mocha, chocolate and potpourri spices. Concentrated but classically dry, offering no easy sweetness today in spite of its great ripeness. Lush and deep but also quite penetrating. Perhaps most impressive today on the palate-staining back end, which features huge, broad tannins and a chewy impression of solidity.

(90% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon; 25 hl/ha; 14% alcohol; 80% new oak) Deep ruby-purple. Pretty aromas of dried plum, dried herbs and sweet spices, with a sexy floral topnote. Similarly sexy on the palate, with dominant flavors of plum jam and waxy cocoa butter. The tannins are slightly drying but less extreme than those of Monbousquet tasted alongside this sample. A superb wine made from vines that are nearly 50 years of age and a terroir that can deliver wines of real power. A very promising vintage for this wine.