Bordeaux’s Chateau Troplong-Mondot is a large wine estate on the Right Bank of the Gironde River overlooking the village of Saint Emilion. Its 33-hectare vineyard is planted traditionally with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The chateau dates back to 1745 and Troplong-Mondot was originally part of one sizeable domaine which included the vineyards of Chateau Pavie. The current estate was established in 1850 when Raymond-Theodore Troplong acquired Mondot, expanded the vineyard, and promoted its reputation. Following a trend of that period, his heir Edouard Troplong later added Mondot to his name and Troplong-Mondot was born.

The property passed into the hands of the Valette family at the beginning of the 20th century, with Christine Valette taking up management of the property in 1980. Since then, things quickly changed for the better. The quality of the wines improved and Chateau Troplong-Mondot became known as one of the top wines of the Right Bank.

Christine Valette has since passed away and today, the estate is managed by Xavier Pariente who has been involved with the estate since 2002. In 2006, it was awarded the Premier Grand Cru Classe B in the Saint Emilion classification.

Chateau Troplong-Mondot is grown on extensive vineyards rich in limestone and clay soils. Powerful and well-structured with pronounced complex tannins, its deep aromas of truffles and blackberries develop over time.

The grapes are hand-harvested, totally destemmed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, moving to oak barrels for secondary malolactic fermentation. The wine is matured in oak barrels (75% new oak and 25% one-year old) for 12 to 24 months depending on the vintage. The average production of the grand vin is between 60,000 to 90,000 bottles.

The 2021 Troplong-Mondot is a Bordeaux Blend that hails from the Saint Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine is a true gem that showcases the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of the renowned Troplong-Mondot estate.

In the glass, the wine displays a deep, vibrant red color that is visually captivating. On the nose, it exudes an enticing bouquet of plums, wild berries, and sweet spices, accompanied by delicate notes of rose petals, vine smoke, and raw cocoa. This aromatic profile sets the stage for a truly remarkable tasting experience.

On the palate, the 2021 Troplong-Mondot unveils its true character. It is medium to full-bodied, with a seamless texture and impressive intensity. The beautifully refined, powdery tannins and lively acidity add depth and structure to the wine, creating a harmonious balance. As you savor each sip, flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and black plum unfold, accompanied by hints of gunsmoke, fern, and saffron salinity. The finish is long and mouthwatering, leaving you craving for more.

The winemaking process for this vintage was meticulous, with long and gentle macerations. The blend, carefully crafted after much deliberation, consists of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc. This blend showcases the best qualities of each varietal, resulting in a wine of exceptional complexity and character.

Renowned wine critics have also praised the 2021 Troplong-Mondot. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive score of 96 points, describing it as a wine that shows considerable promise. James Suckling also awarded it 96 points, highlighting its lovely density and well-defined character. Other critics, such as Jane Anson, Jeff Leve, Decanter, and Vinous, have similarly lauded this wine for its power, precision, energy, and refinement.

Overall, the 2021 Troplong-Mondot is a wine that exemplifies the excellence of Bordeaux. With its exceptional quality, impeccable craftsmanship, and rave reviews from critics, this wine is a true standout. It is a wine that demands attention and is sure to impress even the most discerning wine enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for further aging, the 2021 Troplong-Mondot is a wine that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.