2004 La Mondotte

Ripe, New World eucalyptus-edged cassis and plenty of oak spice still at the forefront. Complex and inviting. Tannins are chewy but ripe and dense. Still very youthful and rich. Good spicy freshness to the end. Not really my style but impressive richness and power. (JH)

Another brilliant effort from a small, 45-year-old vineyard on the clay and limestone plateau above Pavie and Pavie Decesse, this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc was cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare. A classically structured St.-Emilion, it boasts an opaque purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of black raspberries, creme de cassis, blueberries, espresso roast, and pen ink. Huge tannin, massive body, and tremendous richness as well as depth suggest it will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 20-25.

Full ruby-red. Reticent nose hints at black fruits and nutty oak. Densely packed and strong but a bit youthfully musclebound and currently dominated by its tannic structure. This is lush, broad and chocolatey but less sappy than it appeared to be in barrel last year. In a rather powerful style, finishing with substantial building tannins. This needs time.