CRITIC REVIEWS
Neal Martin
The 2020 Bellevue-Mondotte was a bit of a "bruiser" when I tasted the sample bottle sent to the UK, despite affording it as much aeration as I could allow. Re-examining the sample at Pavie, the wine demonstrates much more composure and refinement, therefore it deserves a higher score.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2020 Bellevue Mondotte is made from 100% Merlot, with an alcohol of 14.92% and a pH of 3.54. It is aging in French oak barriques, 90% new. Displaying an opaque purple-black color, it sashays out of the glass with flamboyant notes of plum preserves, blackberry compote and blueberry pie, plus hints of hoisin, Chinese five spice and camphor with a touch of dried rose petals. The concentrated, seductive, full-bodied palate delivers layer upon layer of black and blue fruit preserves, accented by exotic spices and supported with firm, ripe, rounded tannins plus fantastic freshness. The finish is epically long and achingly fragrant. Wow!
JancisRobinson.com
100% Merlot. Cask sample. Purple-black hue. Tightly wound and structured but has the fruit to match. Dark and steely on the nose. Solid tannic frame but the tannins fine grained. Reserved and intense but precise. Needs patience. (JL)