Chateau Bellevue Mondotte 2001

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The newest baby of Gerard and Chantal Perse, this 5-acre vineyard (with vines averaging 45 years of age) was acquired in 2001. A blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon (similar to Pavie-Decesse), it was cropped at a tiny 15 hectoliters per hectare, enjoyed a seven week maceration period, was aged in 100% new oak, the first six months on its lees, and bottled unfined and unfiltered after 24 months of aging. There are only 4,500 bottles of this elixir. While not as complex or delineated as Pavie or Pavie-Decesse, it is opulent, even voluptuous, with a heady perfume of ink, black fruits, truffles, and lead pencil shavings. Full-bodied, expansive, and velvety-textured, this huge, sweet, chewy St.-Emilion boasts great concentration and texture. Drink it during its first 15-18 years of life, although my instincts suggest it will live a lot longer."

WEINWISSER: "Sattes Violett-Purpur, extrem dicht. Rauchiges Waldhimbeerenbouquet, Red-Currant-Pastillen, Holundertouch, kleine, reife Beeren, Mokka, helle Edelhölzer. Trotz immenser Fruchtaromatik im Gaumen erstaunlicherweise elegant, Tannin und Säure sich bereits bindend, jahrgangstypische Kirschennoten, rassig, Terroir der Gegend perfekt widerspiegelnd. Ein rarer und teurer Wein, sensationell gut."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Medium bodied, elegant charmer, with a ripe, sweet, fresh plum, oak, earth, stone, licorice and floral character. Clearly, ready to drink and to deliver pleasure, this is not a wine with long term aging prospects. But it is a perfect charmer today."