La Mondotte Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2021

A refined and firm-tannined red with violets, tangerines and blue fruit. Medium-bodied, tight and compact palate with everything in place. Elegance with structure.

Lovely ripe raspberry and strawberry flavours with pink floral scents, really appealing aromatics jumping out the glass. Smooth and so vibrant, such vivacity, the brightness coming through strongly with such a brilliantly textured mid palate - it's silky but with concentration and intensity yet also an aerial feel to this. You got the depth and density without the weight. Crunchy, crisp, totally joyous. No hiding here, a pure expression. Not heavily structured but I love the energy, so fruity but also with a salinity on the finish that peaks the interest. One I definitely wanted another glass of. Gorgeous presentation of the terroir and the overall purity on show is commendable. No mildew or frost in 2021. A yield of 45hl/ha. Certified organic.

Based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 50% new barrels, the 2021 La Mondotte is another floral, perfumed, impressive wine. Red and black raspberries, spring flowers, rose petals, and chalky minerality all define the bouquet, and it's medium-bodied, with fine yet present tannins, terrific balance, and outstanding length. I’d certainly love a glass today, but it will ideally be given 3-5 years of bottle age and will put a smile on your face any time over the following 15+ years.

The 2021 La Mondotte is marked by strong calcaire accents and a bit of oak tannin that has not yet fully integrated, as the colder cellar here (vis-a-vis Canon-La Gaffelière) results in wines in barrel that evolve at a slow pace. Like all of the Neipperg wines, La Mondotte shows terrific energy and drive. A burst of dark cherry fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice and spice builds into the deep, resonant finish. There's a ton of character here. The purity of the flavors is striking. I am so looking forward to tasting the 2021 in bottle.

Unwinding in the glass with scents of cherry, sweet berries, dark chocolate and loamy soil, the 2021 La Mondotte is medium to full-bodied, lively and concentrated, with a compact, tightly wound profile, tangy acids and beautifully refined tannins. Of all the von Neipperg wines, this is the most reticent at this early stage, but all the components for a notable success are present.

The 2021 La Mondotte is made from 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, aging in 50% new oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it is wearing the new oak up-front to begin, soon settling into a pretty perfume of Morello cherries, black raspberries, and rose oil, plus suggestions of fertile loam and tar. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is refreshing and minerally, with fragrant red fruits and a floral note on the finish.

The 2021 La Mondotte was cropped at 45hL/ha between 30 September and 6 October and matured in 50% new oak. Suave on the nose, it offers dark berry fruit, incense and subtle cassis scents, that are very well integrated. Much less powerful than the La Mondotte of old. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, juicy and ripe, well balanced with a silky smooth finish. Perhaps what is just missing is a little grip and density, but it is well-crafted and fresh as a daisy.