Bellevue Mondotte 2014 (750ML)

94 VM / 94 JS / 92 WS / 91 WA

Super-ripe red cherry, plum, rose petal, licorice and blood orange infuse the 2014 Bellevue-Mondotte with notable unctuousness and sweetness. Powerful, rich and inviting, the 2014 is a flamboyant, exotic Saint-Émilion that will drink
well with minimal cellaring. As always, Bellevue-Mondotte is the most accessible of Gerard Perse's three flagship.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Opulent aromas of blackberries, black mushrooms and cedar. Full-bodied and chewy yet this remains fresh with dark chocolate, berries and lovely acidity. A little tight now with the firm tannins — so give it three or four years to soften.-James Suckling

Very lush, with a long stream of succulent blackberry, fig and boysenberry compote notes that drape over a polished structure. A graphite edge buried on the finish lends balance, but this is all about fruit.-James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

The 2014 Bellevue Mondotte was quite a difficult wine to pin down out of barrel (as is often the case, truth be told). Now in bottle, it displays a very voluminous and generous bouquet with ample black cherries, crème de cassis and vanilla pod aromas, the new oak still very much evident. The palate is full-bodied with thick chewy tannin that exert a vice-like grip in the mouth. This must be the most powerful and intense Saint Emilion of the vintage: heady, hedonistic, opulent and perhaps a bit garish. Yet there is purity here and the oak is in sync with the fruit. You can feel some warmth on the finish, but it conveys a sense of focus. It is dwarfed by the 2014 Pavie, but those that like "a lot of wine in their wine" will prefer the Bellevue Mondotte.-Neil Martin, Wine Advocate