La Mondotte was purchased in 1971 by Stephan von Neipperg. This vineyard was obtained at the same time as the other estates that form the nucleus of the Saint–Émilion vineyard holdings of the von Neipperg family. Those vineyards include Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere, Clos de lOratoire and Chateau Peyreau. In Cotes de Castillon, they own Chateau dAiguilhe.
1996 was the first successful vintage at La Mondotte for Stephan von Neipperg. However, things really took a step up in quality with the 2000 vintage.
In September 2012, La Mondotte was classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classe wine. La Mondotte is one of only two wines that earned Premier Grand Cru Classe status, after having been a previously unclassified, Saint–Émilion Grand Cru wine. In 2014, La Mondotte was certified as being 100% Organic.
The 4.5 hectare Bordeaux vineyard of La Mondotte is planted to 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. La Mondotte is located just east of the Saint–Émilion limestone plateau. The terroir is predominately clay and silt with heavy deposits of limestone in the soil.
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Tasting Notes:
94-96 Points – “The Wine Advocate”
Neal Martin (April 2016)
“The 2015 La Mondotte is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc picked on 18 September and 7 October respectively, then aged in 80% new oak after a 33-day vatting. It has a dense opulent and very concentrated bouquet that is driven by the super-intense Merlot, though as I mention in my accompanying introduction, the alcohol is contained and not at all apparent. The palate is very well balanced with rounded, supple tannin. There is a lot of weight in the mouth here, very focued and intense with blackberry and raspberry fruit, fine mineralité and tension, leading to an almost pixelated finish. This is an impressive La Mondotte for sure, though the 2015 Canon la Gaffeliere might offer more intellect.”