Perfect, the 2009 La Mondotte boasts an inky/black/purple color as well as sumptuous notes of incense, graphite, licorice, black cherries, blackberries, cedar and forest floor. It is extraordinarily thick and voluptuous with a cool climate minerality that gives the wine an uplift and freshness that is surprising in view of its massive fruit level and high extract. The tannins are abundant, but sweet and well-integrated, as are the acidity, alcohol and wood components. An infant at present, this 2009 requires 6-8 years of cellaring and should keep for three decades. This fabulous terroir has been fully exploited by proprietor Stefan von Neipperg and his consulting oenologist, Stephane Derenoncourt, since the debut vintage of 1996. Yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare were ridiculously low in 2009 and the blend is dominated by Merlot (80%) combined with 20% Cabernet Franc.