Bellevue Mondotte 2017 (750ML)

97+ WA / 96 JD / 96 WS / 96 VM / 94 JS / 93 DE

There was no frost in the vineyard in 2017, due to its elevation. Deep garnet purple in color, the 2017 Bellevue Mondotte is composed of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a little closed to begin, opening out to reveal vibrant notes of crushed blackberries, warm plums, black raspberries and wild blueberries plus wafts of star anise, garrigue and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tension and intense blue and black fruit layers, framed by super firm, super ripe, fine-grained tannins, finishing very long and earthy.- Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate

Based on 60% Merlot and 15% each of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, brought up in new barrels, the 2017 Bellevue Mondotte sports a deep, inky color as well as a seamless, seductive, opulent style that's rarely found in the vintage. Creme de cassis, cold iron, macerated cherries, and toasted spice as well as touch of chocolate give way to a massive, full-bodied, rounded 2017 that already offers tons of pleasure.-Jeb Dunnuck

Beautifully rendered, with a long beam of pure cassis and crushed plum fruit, flanked by subtle chalky minerality and backed by violet, anise and smoldering black tea notes. The sleek, lengthy finish pulls everything together with metronomic precision. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2038. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 266 cases made.–James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

The 2017 Bellevue Mondotte is just as impressive from bottle as it was en primeur. Powerful and structured, with tremendous intensity in all of its dimensions, the 2017 is all class. Inky dark fruit, graphite, menthol and licorice all come together with time in the glass. This tiny vineyard on very poor limestone subsoil gives wines of real power and structure. The 2017 is a gorgeous Saint-Émilion endowed with tons of energy and tension.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

This shows wonderful dark fruit with dark-chocolate and cappuccino undertones. Full body. Tight and compact. Tangy acidity and a juicy finish. Really appreciate the polished tannins that melt into the wine. Try after 2023.-James Suckling

Up on the plateau, this was spared the ravages of frost but still only yielded 16hl/ha. It has the Perse signature punch of fruit, then the limestone breaks through (there is also a touch more clay here than at Pavie Decesse). The punch almost hides the fruit at first, but it really does finish beautifully and has amazing persistency. The 50-year-old vines have produced a wine that will age extremely well. Tasted several times. 3.58pH. - Jane Anson, Decanter