Tasting Notes
Neal Martin 93+
The 2016 Bellevue Mondotte has a heady, quite alcoholic bouquet, as I remarked when tasting it out of barrel, and it lacks the delineation and terroir expression of, say, Pavie Decesse or Pavie. The full-bodied palate offers firm grip, luscious ripe tannin and black cherries mixed with boysenberry jam and fig. The grippy finish is almost oppressive. This is a gargantuan Saint-Emilion – nothing new there – though I would like more precision on the luxuriant finish.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2055
Antonio Galloni 98
Bellevue Mondotte is magnificent in 2016. Stunningly rich and concentrated, with tremendous structure, the 2016 has so much to offer. Creme de cassis, raspberry jam, lavender, graphite, game, menthol and a whole rush of inky blue/purplish fruit emerge from this explosive, captivating Saint-Emilion. In 2016 Bellevue Mondotte balances sumptuousness with saline-infused energy and persistence. It is without question one of the truly great wines of the vintage.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2041
