2009 Chateau Bellevue Mondotte, Saint-Emilion

The inky/blue/purple-colored 2009 Bellevue Mondotte offers aromas of creme de cassis, mulberries, licorice, white flowers, forest floor and candied cherries. Extremely thick, rich and full-bodied, it is nearly overwhelming in its textural richness, colossal concentration and mind-blowing finish that lasts nearly a minute. Undeniably massive and over-sized, but perfectly balanced, it is made for those looking for something to put away for 30-50+ years. One has to admire a proprietor who is making a wine for the history books, not for near-term gratification.

100 points  Robert Parker Junior for The Wine Advocate

Tucked away on the limestone plateau of Saint Émilion, Château Bellevue Mondotte is one of Bordeaux's smallest and most sought after estates. Owned by Gérard Perse, whose meticulous attention to detail has elevated several Right Bank properties to international acclaim, this tiny vineyard consistently produces a wine of extraordinary concentration, finesse and individuality. With production measured in only a few thousand bottles each year, Bellevue Mondotte has become one of Saint Émilion's modern cult classics.

The exceptional 2009 vintage ranks among Bordeaux's greatest, delivering fruit of remarkable richness, balance and precision. The estate's limestone and clay soils, coupled with extremely low yields, produced Merlot and Cabernet Franc of exceptional intensity while preserving freshness and mineral detail. More than fifteen years in bottle have added harmony and complexity without diminishing the wine's impressive structure.

Deep garnet with youthful ruby highlights, the bouquet is captivatingly layered with aromas of black cherry, blackberry and plum intertwined with violets, dark chocolate and exotic spice. As the wine evolves, notes of truffle, cedar, graphite and espresso emerge, adding extraordinary depth and intrigue. The palate is sumptuous yet impeccably balanced, revealing concentrated dark fruits framed by velvety tannins, vibrant freshness and a finely etched limestone minerality. Powerful without excess, the finish unfolds for minutes with savoury complexity, floral perfume and remarkable precision.

A magnificent partner for beef Wellington, roast pigeon, venison loin, braised short ribs or black truffle dishes. Already a thrilling wine to experience, this rare Saint Émilion has the pedigree and structure to reward collectors for decades to come.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2055.