La saison de croissance 2015 sur la rive droite a donné des résultats que beaucoup considèrent comme la référence absolue pour Saint-Émilion. Un été chaud et sec a été tempéré par des pluies opportunes en août, permettant au merlot cultivé sur le plateau argilo-calcaire de La Mondotte de mûrir sans stress. Le résultat est le « Château La Mondotte 2015 », un vin qui allie une véritable richesse à une belle légèreté. Il se caractérise par des arômes prononcés de fruits noirs concentrés, une structure robuste apportée par le Cabernet Franc issu de vieilles vignes, et la minéralité caractéristique du calcaire. C'est un millésime qui se prête idéalement à un long vieillissement.
Robert Parker (96)
The 2015 La Mondotte is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc picked on 18 September and 7 October respectively, then aged in 80% new oak after a 33-day vatting. It has a dense, opulent and very concentrated bouquet that is driven by the super-intense Merlot, though as I mention in my accompanying introduction, the alcohol is contained and not at all apparent. The palate is very well balanced with rounded, supple tannin. There is a lot of weight in the mouth here, very focused and intense with blackberry and raspberry fruit, fine mineralité and tension, leading to an almost pixelated finish. This is an impressive La Mondotte for sure, though the 2015 Canon la Gaffeliere might offer more intellect.
James Suckling (99)
The aromas of blackberries, iodine, oyster shell, violets and lavender are so impressive. Full-bodied, dense and beautifully balanced and refined. Transparent. Real. True beauty. Nothing adding. Organically grown grapes. Drink in 2023.
Vinous (95)
The 2015 La Mondotte is more backward and closed on the nose with quite lush black cherry and cassis fruit, very concentrated but nicely focused with no sign of over maturity. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, but there is firm grip with a precise, mineral-driven finish that is a pure joy. Deeply impressive. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.
