CHÂTEAU LA MONDOTTE

A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2013 is deep purple with a gorgeous nose of black cherry liqueur, mulberries, licorice, graphite and spring flowers. The wine is surprisingly full-bodied, round, with sweet tannin, real succulence, lush texture and a stunning finish. This is a major over-achiever in even great vintages, but in 2013 an effort like this is especially impressive. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. With ridiculously low yields of 8 hectoliters per hectare, this nearly 11.5-acre vineyard, now a Premiere Grand Cru Classe, is situated high on clay and limestone soils above Pavie Decesse. The consultant who has been there since the debut vintage under the new ownership in 1996, is Stephane Derenoncourt. He has hit another home run with the 2013. 2014-2029 Rating: 92-94 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Aug 2014)

Fresh and red fruited the nose is bright and the start of the palate quite light. There are sweeter fruits in the middle red fruits some black fruits and they give richness and depth on the back palate and finish. 2017-27. Rating: 91-93 Derek Smedley MW, www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk (May 2014)

The yields were a meagre 8 hectolitres per hectare on this super cuvée of Merlot with 15% Cabernet Franc, making it typically rich and concentrated, even in a year like 2013. Mint and bitter chocolate notes add complexity to the flavours of plum and black cherry. The wine finishes fresh and long. 2018-26 Rating: 93 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (May 2014)