2001 La Mondotte from Chateau La Mondotte, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

The esteemed 2001 La Mondotte stands as a testament to the excellence of Saint-Émilion’s terroir and the masterful hand of Chateau La Mondotte. Crafted in a year that was characterised by a relatively cool summer followed by an Indian summer that allowed for extended ripening, this vintage captures the true essence of the merlot with its refined complexity and depth.

A Vintage of Precision and Patience

Patience was indeed a virtue for the harvest of 2001, which yielded spectacular results. The virtues of the extended hang-time afforded by the late warmth imparted a concentration of flavours rarely seen in other years, producing a wine that exudes both power and elegance - hallmark traits of Chateau La Mondotte's winemaking philosophy.

Distinct Attributes of 2001

In the glass, the 2001 La Mondotte reveals a deep garnet hue, inviting connoisseurs to discover layers of ripe blackberries, cherries, and hints of truffle and cedar. On the palate, it is beautifully balanced; robust tannins have mellowed into a silky finesse over two decades in bottle, accommodating a savoury continuum that evokes the quintessential Saint-Émilion minerality. The finish is long and complex, resonating with subtle notes of spice and earth that are distinctive to the region's storied canvas.

An intelligent acquisition for any discerning wine investor, the 2001 La Mondotte is both a jewel in any connoisseur's cellar and a prudent asset with the potential to delight appreciators now or continue to burgeon with grace. This vintage not only underscores the adaptability and resilience of Saint-Émilion’s viniculture in less than ideal climatic conditions but also signifies Chateau La Mondotte's unyielding commitment to quality.

Summarising Elegance

To encapsulate, the 2001 La Mondotte from Chateau La Mondotte encapsulates an extraordinary vintage whereby nature's whims were artfully managed to create a wine of outstanding structure and allure. It remains one of the most exuberant expressions of its era, matured to perfection yet still promising further nuances as time marches on. For investors and connoisseurs alike, this is a defining example of how Bordeaux can excel even when faced with capricious skies.