90% merlot 5% cabernet franc 5% cabernet sauvignon. 14.5% potential alcohol. Vines are planted on 2 hectares of limestone soil. Aged in 100% new oak. Inky purple color. Root vegetables plum cassis mocha and vanilla flavor the palate first with flowers and minerality following. Grippy tannins are noticeable right away with enticing acidity showing up on the midpalate and providing lift to the very long finish. One of the top wines of St. Emilion this is a highly concentrated beast! From the Gerard Perse portfolio. Give this baby some time and enjoy 2020-2030.

A little gem of an estate owned by the Perse family, the 2011 Bellevue Mondotte is composed of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. This super, highly concentrated wine (please don’t make the mistake of saying “over-extracted” as there is not a bit of bitterness to be found) is the product of tiny yields and a late harvest. A thick, port-like, black/ruby/purple color is followed by a powerful, rich, exceptionally pure wine with stunning balance. From a vintage where most wines will need to be consumed within their first 15-20 years of life, this cuvee will undoubtedly last 30 or more. 95+ - Robert Parker

This is not shy with clearly extracted fig boysenberry and plum fruit flavors that are liberally laced with blueberry pâte de fruit cassis and ganache. The long finish lets the toast and spice pyrotechnics play out with a saturated yet driven feel.-J.M.

Picked on 27th September the Bellevue Mondotte has a sensual bouquet with ripe saturated black cherries crème de cassis and blueberry that is unashamedly opulent especially for the vintage. The palate is full-bodied with firm grip great depth quite tensile tannins and great precision on the finish. Modern in style (of course) but I like the focus here and the minerality on the finish. Very fine. Tasted April 2012.

A Bellevue-Mondotte with pretty balance and richness, featuring chocolate, berries and hints of coffee. Full body, chewy but velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Needs at least three to four years to soften and come together. Try in 2016.