Bellevue Mondotte, Chateau
Summary
Château Bellevue-Mondotte, acquired by Gérard Perse in 2001, occupies a small but exceptional site on the Saint-Émilion clay-limestone plateau with 90% Merlot vines benefiting from ideal south-facing exposure and meager, well-drained soils. Under Perse's meticulous "constant search for excellence" philosophy, this once-unknown estate quickly achieved elite status, producing highly acclaimed wines that showcase the remarkable quality potential of its distinctive terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Bellevue-Mondotte joined Gérard Perse's portfolio in 2001, becoming part of a prestigious group of properties that includes Châteaux Pavie, Pavie-Decesse, Monbousquet in Saint-Émilion, and Clos Lunelles in Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux. The estate demonstrated its exceptional potential immediately, with its first vintage under Perse's ownership receiving a score of 95+/100 from critic Robert Parker. This acquisition represented Perse's continued commitment to developing both renowned terroirs like Château Pavie and lesser-known properties with outstanding potential. The rapid transformation of Bellevue-Mondotte stands as a notable achievement in Bordeaux, where significant changes typically occur gradually over extended periods.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Bellevue-Mondotte occupies a small but exceptional site on the Saint-Émilion clay-limestone plateau, partially enclosed by Château Pavie-Decesse. The vineyard sits 80 meters above the Dordogne Valley, benefiting from excellent sun exposure with its south-facing aspect. The terroir features meager soils with superior natural drainage due to its hillside position, along with protection from northerly winds and frost. The vineyard composition consists of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Despite its modest size, the estate's terroir possesses remarkable quality attributes that place it among the elite properties of the region.
Philosophy & Practice
Château Bellevue-Mondotte operates according to the "Perse method," a philosophy centered on the relentless pursuit of excellence that has been successfully implemented across all of Gérard Perse's properties. This approach recognizes and maximizes the distinctive qualities of each vineyard site, with particular attention to terroir expression. At Bellevue-Mondotte, Perse has applied his methodology to extract the full potential from what he considers a "minuscule in size, but immense in terms of quality" vineyard. The intelligent management practices focus on highlighting the exceptional natural advantages of the property—its elevation, exposure, and soil composition—to produce wines that reflect the distinctive character of this small but significant Saint-Émilion estate.