2021 La Mondotte

97 POINTS

James Suckling

Blueberries, dark chocolate, lavender and sage aromas follow through to a medium body with polished and refined tannins that are integrated but give a sense of strength and muscular tone. Elegance with structure. Closed now, it needs time to soften. Exceptional for the vintage. Better after 2028.

95 POINTS

James Suckling

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. Points: 95-96

95 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2021 La Mondotte is a dense, potent beauty, with depths of black cherry, plum, gravel, scorched earth, leather, lavender and incense. In 2021, Mondotte is quite savory and brooding, a style with freshness and less opulence than most years. It's also a wine that needs time. I imagine the 2021 will always be a pretty dark Saint-Émilion.

94 POINTS

Georgina Hindle - Decanter

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.

94 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

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. Points: 93-95

93 POINTS

William Kelley - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

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. Points: 92-94

93 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Deep ruby, opaque core, purple hues on bright narrow rim. Fresh dark wild berries, hints of redcurrants, red cherries and candied orange zest. Medium-bodied, red berry fruit, textured, fine silky tannins, salty finish with hint of blackcurrant. A lighter bodied style.

92 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

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. Points: 91-93