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

Showing a lovely intense, dark, purple color, this wine offers a fruity, fresh, creamy, ripe and floral nose. Quite thick on the palate, it develops over coated tannins. The aromatic expression is a somewhat over-simple on the mid-palate. Good length on finish . I expected more. 87-88 points

Picked on the same day as Pavie-Decesse (12th October), cropped at 22hl/ha, a blend of 90% Merlot with 5% each of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, this has a rich, opulent bouquet. black toasty fruit cloaked in warm alcohol, with hints of fruitcake and fresh fig emerging with time. The palate is full-bodied with dense tannins, though I think there is more minerality and sense of terroir coming through (at least at the moment) than the Pavie-Decesse. There is just a touch of dryness on the finish with creme de menthe and cassis lingering. Again, an opened bottle is showing more freshness and vigour. Tasted March 2010. 90-92 points