2018 Château La Mondotte

75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc. Very dark blueish purple. Scented and surprisingly soft tannins at first with some obvious acidity, though the finish is a bit drying. Not the most harmonious but it may well get there. (JR)

The 2018 La Mondotte, matured in 70% new oak, has retained a very focused and well-defined bouquet of intense cranberry, raspberry, sage and light marine scents. It is tightly packed and certainly benefits from decanting. The poised palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a silky-smooth texture. It then turns a little spicier, with desiccated orange peel and a background tang of marmalade emerging toward quite a complex and engaging finish. This is a fabulous La Mondotte that deserves cellaring.