Chateau Troplong Mondot – Saint Emilion

The History

This St. Emilion estate, which dates back to 1745, was once part of the larger
domaine that included Château Pavie. A century later it was bought by Raymond
Troplong, whose name was added to the label. Later, Alexandre Valette, a Parisian
vintner, bought the estate and it remains in his family to date. In 1980, his
great-granddaughter Christine took over the estate, which she runs today with her
husband, Xavier Pariente. In 2006 the vineyard was selected to Premier Grand
Cru Classé status. Thick limestone and dense clay make this vineyard perfect for
growing Merlot (which comprises 90% of the vineyards). Wines produced from
this estate are powerful and contain complex tannins. The remaining plantings are
divided equally between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1985 the château introduced the second label Mondot, which has gained clout as a grand cru in its own right. More recently Christine Valette has produced a rose called Le Clairet.

Tasting Notes

A lovely nose, very ripe, plummy, Dundee cake character. This is very expressive,
and it just oozes quality. Gorgeously extracted and composed palate, with a fine
texture, unobtrusive, velvety-peppery tannins in a perfectly balanced frame. So
complete and delineated. Really divine
Wine Advocate: 186
“Extremely young with an unbelievable deep purple color, the 2000 Troplong
Mondot has hardly budged since I tasted it in 2003. Two recent tastings
confirmed that this is the greatest Troplong Mondot between their profound
1990 and more recent vintages such as 2005, 2008, and 2009. Copious
chocolate, graphite, blackberry, blueberry, cassis, and ink characteristics are
present in this full-bodied, powerful, massive St.-Emilion. While the tannins
are noticeable, they are better integrated than they were seven years ago, and
the fruit, extract, and richness clearly outweigh the wine’s structure. This
2000 will benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring (longer than I originally
predicted), and has at least two decades of drinkability ahead of it.”
Wine Spectator:
“Lovely berry, cherry and spice, with hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with
fine tannins and a pretty mineral and berry aftertaste. A sexy and refined red.
7,080 cases made.”

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