2018 Troplong Mondot
By Chateau Troplong Mondot
2018 Troplong Mondot from Chateau Troplong Mondot, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
In the exalted vineyards of Saint-Émilion, where history and viticultural excellence blend seamlessly, stands the 2018 Troplong Mondot from Chateau Troplong Mondot, reaffirming its place among Bordeaux's elite. The 2018 vintage, in its adolescence, confronts traditional expectations with a prepossessing exuberance—one which promises both a near-term pleasure and certain grace with age.
The Individuality of the Vintage
The 2018 vintage in Bordeaux broke through with an air of defiance against the whims of nature. A year marked by battles against climatic extremities, it settled into an Indian summer that opened a stage for optimally ripened grapes. It is this painstaking journey through meteorological uncertainty that shaped the distinctive persona of the 2018 Troplong Mondot.
A tapestry of rich plum and black cherry notes unfolds with each swirl and sniff. As one communes with the glass, subtle whispers of truffle, violets, and graphite emerge—a classic expression of the Saint-Émilion terroir enhanced by the modern touch of judicious new oak. On the palate, there is sophistication within its powerful structure; firm but finely knit tannins deftly support a symphony of dark fruit nuance intertwined with a minerality that beckons a comparison to fine silk.
An Arcadian Encounter
Oenophiles investing emotionally and financially will appreciate that this esteemed vinous expression represents an alignment between human endeavour and natural caprice. The 2018 Troplong Mondot possesses an arcadian beauty, born from vines rooted deeply in dense clay over limestone—a juxtaposition between earth and elegance that is mirrored on one's palate.
For those grace notes in life that demand a resonant accompaniment, or for the investor seeking to capture a snapshot of Bordeaux's enigmatic dance with time, the 2018 vintage from Chateau Troplong Mondot emerges as an exemplar—an opulent testimony to both a formidable vintage and the venerable grounds of Saint-Émilion.
In summary, this 2018 offering presents as a discerning acquisition for connoisseurs and investors alike—one that eloquently chronicles an extraordinary chapter in Bordeaux's ongoing odyssey.
Current market price
$1,098.44
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
38.82
Scores and tasting notes
The focus to this wine sets a new standard for Troplong Mondot with density and minerality that I have not encountered for decades. Lots of slate and white-pepper character. Tight and very dense. Full body. Balanced. Wild mineral character and freshness here. Precise.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
One of the stories of the 2018 vintage in Bordeaux was Troplong Mondot bringing in its first grapes on 7 September. Proof, many suggested, of director Aymeric de Gironde going too far in his quest to rewrite Troplong's powerful style. It certainly made me excited to try this wine, and I hope the sceptics were too, because this is a brilliant Troplong. Oh, and although around 80% of the grapes did come in during those first 10 days, the final harvest date was 10 October. There's clear depth just in the colour alone, and impressive complexity on the nose. There's still a whole lot of Troplong strength and concentration here, you can't get away from that with these clay and flint over limestone soils, but now it is softer, with more minerality. The relatively high alcohols are apparent in the texture but not as heat. I love the persistency here, as it drags things out in the most delicious of ways, with a slate and white pepper finish. Of the new vineyards bought (4ha from Clos Labarde and 6ha from Bellisle Mondotte), everything is in the second wine this year. The château will probably ask for some sections to be included in the grand vin in the next classification in 2022. 3.56pH. Thomas Duclos consults.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
This offers a lovely display of boysenberry, cherry and plum fruit, yet stays refined and focused, relying on purity as this glides through. Has weight but feels silky, with a flinty mineral hint adding cut on the finish.—J.M.
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019
The 2018 Troplong Mondot is blended of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, with 15% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, with considerable coaxing and swirling it slowly emerges from the glass like a waking giant, building to a towering bouquet of preserved plums, blueberry pie and Morello cherries with gentler wafts of violets, star anise, fruitcake and cast-iron pan. The concentrated, full-bodied palate possesses impressive purity and brightness of fruit commingled with richer, riper elements and supported by firm, velvety tannins, finishing with lovely freshness and on a lingering ferrous note. It's a wine that's not just delicious, it's seriously interesting too.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
The 2018 Troplong Mondot is a remarkable wine. All the elements fall into place in a stunning, aromatically intense Troplong Mondot that is full of character. There is a level of precision and vibrancy in the 2018 that is simply breathtaking. Black cherry, raspberry, mocha, flowers, mint and spice all meld together in this captivating, arrestingly beautiful Saint-Émilion. New oak is 60%, with lower toast levels than what was common just a few years ago. The blend is 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019
The 2018 Troplong Mondot is blended of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, with 14.5% alcohol and a pH of 3.56. Deep garnet-purple in color, it begins slowly with bold, bright black raspberries, ripe black plums, fresh blackberries and Morello cherries notes, giving way to underlying scents of tobacco, wild sage, Sichuan pepper, black olives, truffles and Marmite toast with hints of crushed stones and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers wonderfully fresh, energetic black fruit with a downright racy line of freshness (uncommon for this vintage) and firm, rounded tannins, finishing long with lots of mineral, earth and dried herbs layers giving beautiful electric sparks.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019