Bellevue Mondotte

Chateau Bellevue Mondotte is a tiny, 2-hectare wine property on the limestone plateau of St Emilion, bought in 2001 by Gérard Perse, owner of the celebrated premier Grand Cru Classé Ch. Pavie. Merlot comprises over 90% of the blend with a dash of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The vineyard faces south at an altitude of 80 metres above sea-level, and the average age of the vines is 45 years. The wine falls very much into the garagiste camp, being aged in 100% new oak and produced from tiny yields of 15-20 hectolitres per hectare. Michel Rolland is the consultant oenologist. After 6 months ageing on its lees the wine remains in barrel for a further 18 months before being bottled unfiltered and unfined.