This is 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, and the élevage was in 55% new oak, the rest divided between 20-hectolitre foudre s and second-fill barrels, the aim being to move to only new oak barrels...
This is 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, and the élevage was in 55% new oak, the rest divided between 20-hectolitre foudre s and second-fill barrels, the aim being to move to only new oak barrels and foudre s. The nose is pure, focused and beautifully expressive, with fresh blackberry, black violets, rosehips, acacia flowers and black pepper. Truly juicy and captivating on the palate, with dark currant and blackberry fruits, with a sinewy and liquorice-laced frame, dark and draped over a frame of ripe tannins. This is beautifully textured but also vigorous and filled with energy and vigour, with driven acidity as well as a frame of highly polished tannins. Intense, driven and long in the finish, which is complex and filled with black fruits, crushed limestone and pepper. A simply stunning Troplong-Mondot, which has a little bit of everything, all working in harmony, just a touch of cherry liqueur which perhaps reflects the degree of maturity here. All the same, this is surely the best Troplong-Mondot Aymeric has made. The alcohol on the label will, I am told, will be 15%, as with the second wine. - Chris Kissack