Bellevue Mondotte 2003:
Took this bad boy out to dinner last night. The nose was composed of Asian spices, road tar, melted black licorice and exotic flowers- and each of these flavors just hop out of the glass like they have an agenda. Intense and concentrated, this wine is endowed with gobs of blackberries, cherry liqueur and dark chocolate. Espresso roast, bacon fat, cedar, toast and vanilla all make their appearances as well. Still youthful, showing great balance, wonderful acidity and overall purity, this wine will go for a long time. Right now it is simply fantastic but I can only imagine how good it will be in ten or fifteen years. Find it if you can. 99 points
Thanks for the note. It seems like the '03 vintage is singing right now. All the juice I have had recently has been good to phenominal. Cannot wait for next Thursday when I pop a Pavie.
John,
Thanks for the note on this wine. I have a little more than a case of it, but have not cracked one (and don’t intend to for quite a while). Thanks for taking one for the team, although it doesn’t sound to bad on your end (99 pts already, WOW!!). Certainly helps reassure me on my purchase.
Bill - I agree that a lot of the 03’s are doing well, but I think they’ll be doing even better at age 10 (2013) and on. I haven’t had a bad one yet, but I think their full potential is a long way away.
Chris
Dr. Spikes, you know I am a baby killer.
About to open a 2003 Monbousquet right now.
Don’t be a hater. I bailed on the Monbo. Went with a 2006 Ridge Lytton Springs instead.
Next Thursday at Denny’s when Dridge is in town.
Ahhh, so true! Just save a little for when it gets really good and enjoy the journey.
Opened an 05 Monbo last night. I guess I should have done it in your honor. Very nice wine, but it needs at least 4 hours of breathing time. To my offsite they all go so I’ll keep my grubby hands off them. See, that’s what you need Bill, is an offsite storage - you can buy more AND it keeps your from killing all those babies!