The 2015 growing season on the right bank produced results that many consider the gold standard for Saint-Émilion. A warm and dry summer was tempered by timely rains in August, allowing the Merlot grown on the clay-limestone plateau of La Mondotte to ripen without stress. The result is the “Château La Mondotte 2015,” a wine that combines true richness with lightness. It features pronounced aromas of concentrated black berries, a robust structure imparted by Cabernet Franc from old vines, and the minerality characteristic of limestone. This is a vintage ideally suited for long-term aging.
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.
