Chateau La Mondotte   La Mondotte

2000 La Mondotte

By Chateau La Mondotte

2000 La Mondotte from Chateau La Mondotte, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

The turn of the millennium bestowed upon us a myriad of remarkable vintages, yet few have galvanised my senses and expertise as ardently as the 2000 La Mondotte from Chateau La Mondotte in the esteemed Saint-Emilion appellation of Bordeaux. This acclaimed estate, a jewel in the Right Bank's viticultural crown, has rendered something quite spectacular with this particular vintage.

 

A Year of Pinnacle Perfection

As we delve into the attributes that elevate the 2000 La Mondotte, it is imperative to reflect on the climatic serendipity that graced Bordeaux in this year. A placid winter segued into an impeccable spring, leading to judicious flowering. The summer, marked by adeqate warmth and sunlight punctuated with fortuitous rains, contributed to optimal ripening conditions for the Merlot-dominated blend, which takes pride of place in this opulent wine.

 

Nuances that Narrate a Vintage Tale

Upon first scent, one is embraced by a tapestry of aromas—blackcurrant, truffle, and a faint whisper of violet—each note a testament to the scrupulous vinification techniques employed by Chateau La Mondotte. A palate saturated with the structure of finely-grained tannins, interlaced with an elegant minerality; culminates in a finish that lingers with grace and intention. The 2000 vintage singularly articulates the nuances of its terroir with an expressive depth unscathed by time, striking a harmonious balance between potency and poise.

With two decades etched into its legacy, the wine radiates a maturity ideal for discerning investors seeking to diversify their portfolios with illustrious vintages. This 2000 offering from Chateau La Mondotte stands not merely as a consumable but as an emblem of oenological finesse and a testament to the stature of Saint-Emilion's revered terroir.

In summation, the 2000 La Mondotte embodies an exquisite chapter in vinous artistry. With each swirl and sip, investors and connoisseurs are privy to a tangible piece of history, encapsulating not just the essence of Bordeaux but the prowess of a year that continues to define fine wine investment benchmarks.

Market price (GBP)

£2,770.00

12x75cl

Highest score

98

POP score

153.89

Scores and tasting notes

98

In two tastings this garagiste wine performed as if it were one of the wines of the vintage. Proprietor Stefan von Neipperg continues to lavish abundant attention on La Mondotte (as he does with all his estates), and the 2000 (80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) boasts an inky/blue/purple color in addition to gorgeous aromas of graphite, caramel, toast, blackberries, and creme de cassis. A floral component also emerges as the wine sits in the glass. Extremely dense, full-bodied, and built for another twenty years of cellaring, I thought it would be close to full maturity, but it appears to need another 4-5 years of bottle age. It should age effortlessly for 2-3 decades.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2010

Vintage performance