Nestled among the prestigious estates of St-Emilion, Chateau Bellevue Mondotte stands with the passion and expertise of its owner, Gerard Perse. Known for his ownership of acclaimed vineyards like Chateau Pavie, Chateau Pavie-Decesse, and Chateau Monbousquet, Perse extends his meticulous care to Bellevue Mondotte, making it a small but mighty gem within the region. With an average annual production of 300 to 350 cases, this boutique estate has garnered attention by achieving two 100-point vintages (2005 & 2009) since Perse took the reins.

Chateau Bellevue Mondotte Vineyard

Set upon 5 acres of land atop St-Emilion's clay and limestone plateau, Chateau Bellevue Mondotte benefits from its prime location, surrounded by esteemed neighbors such as Chateau Pavie, Pavie-Decesse, and Pavie-Macquin. The estate's 50-year-old vines undergo rigorous green harvesting, resulting in the lowest yields in all of St-Emilion. Divided into three distinct parcels, the vineyard boasts a diverse terroir, with one-half rooted in a blend of clay and limestone soils, while the other half thrives on pure limestone.

Perse's dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of Bellevue Mondotte's winemaking process. Mirroring the practices of his other estates, the wine ages in barrels for six months longer than traditional Bordeaux wineries. At Bellevue Mondotte, malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels, allowing the wine to rest on its lees during the initial six months of aging—an uncommon practice in Bordeaux but typical for esteemed Burgundy producers. Afterward, the wine matures in 90% French oak barrels for up to 24 months, remaining unfined and unfiltered.

Hidden Treasure

Robert Parker has hailed Gerard Perse as a "quality-conscious Bordeaux visionary," and Bellevue Mondotte is a shining testament to this vision. This formidable Bordeaux wine exhibits a harmonious blend of power and balance, showcasing its opulent, ripe fruit flavors intertwined with intense minerality. However, due to its small vineyard and exceptionally limited production, acquiring this serious Bordeaux gem can be a challenge.

Unveiling itself as a hidden treasure on the right bank of St-Emilion, Bellevue Mondotte echos the production methods and quality standards of its esteemed counterpart, Chateau Pavie—a revered 1st Growth right bank Bordeaux, but at a fraction of the price. With its remarkable value, all Bordeaux connoisseurs should keep their eyes fixed on this estate.