2009 Château La Mondotte

Very rich and plummy on the nose. Almost porty. Not enough refreshment value. Pretty exaggerated. Quite painful level of tannin and acid. Very modern style. Not my style but impressive in its own way. (JR)

Very dark. Lift. Cassis essence. Does rather smell like a very super Chilean! Luscious and round. Dries out a little on the finish. (JR)

Bright, saturated ruby. Slightly high-toned aromas of blueberry, black raspberry, mocha, violet and minerals. Wonderfully intense and vibrant; dense and seamless without being heavy. The blackberry and violet flavors are energized by a tactile, saline minerality. Remarkably plush, sweet and deep wine, with utterly suave tannins and outstanding palate-staining length. Has huge ripe tannins for extended aging but seems easier to taste than this wine normally is at this early stage owing to its sheer baby fat. Interestingly, I tasted this wine in the same flight as Magdelaine: the Mondotte came across as riper and more massive but both bottles say 14.5% alcohol on the label.