Description

One of my favourite wines in the whole world. Troplong Mondot has only really been on the radar in recent times. Infamously the vineyards of this estate used to encompass the land that is now the ultra famous Pavie. 33 hectare on the limestone plateau in the most celebrated part of the appellation. The vineyard blend is 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. The wines here are beautifully aromatic and lush with refreshing acidity underneath. A pretty example of St-Emilion.

“2008: A wine of the vintage candidate in 2008, Troplong Mondot’s offering was produced from yields of 41 hectoliters per hectare and achieved 14.5% natural alcohol. A classic blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it offers copious quantities of blue and black fruits, a full-bodied opulence, sweet tannin and a fabulous texture as well as finish. Already drinking beautifully, it will be even better in 2-5 years and should last for 20 years. A great effort for the vintage, it couldn’t happen to a more deserving proprietor, Christine Valette. Bravo!” Score: 96 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194), May 2011

Saint-Emilion

With approximately 5400 hectare planted it is a vast appellation with a few distinct personalities. Like the famous neighbour Pomerol the wines are Merlot dominant and offer the silk, perfume and charm that Merlot can give. The best of the wines will live as long as, if not longer than most Left Bank wines and often cost two or three times more.

Merlot

Not a lot of love for this hard working grape. But in Pomerol and Saint-Emilion Merlot not only dominates but makes some of the best wines in the world. Perfume, silky and plush. Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon season the wines with structure and acid but in some places, like Petrus they are almost not needed.

2008

Variable weather conditions during the growing season meant 2008 was a difficult year. On the Left Bank the vintage favoured the later ripening Cabernet Sauvignon and the wines that use a high percentage of it such as those in Pauillac and St-Julien. The wines have classic flavours but aren’t as ‘dazzling’ as 2005, 2009. The Right Bank offered a small crop of seductive but tannic wines that will age very well. Some care is required when selecting wines.