Château Troplong Mondot Saint-Emilion 2019 - 1er Grand Cru Classé B

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Crowning the Côte Pavie, this 27-hectare vineyard has suffered less erosion than all the other Saint-Emilion crus. The particularity of this single-cluster terroir lies in its location, as well as in its very dense, powerful clays from the Agenais region, interspersed with stones and pebbles. Its former owner, Catherine Valette-Pariente, who passed away in 2014, had restored Troplong Mondot to its former glory, when it was bought by reinsurer Scor in 2017. The property was then entrusted to Aymeric de Gironde, who had been running Cos d'Estournel, one of the Médoc's most prominent crus classés. To enhance the nuances and freshness of the wine's constitution, this native of the Charente region modified the vinification process as soon as he arrived: a gentler method, based on the infusion of marc and raw materials, and a reduction in the use of new barrels were the first adjustments. A new winery is currently under construction to bring out the best in the plots: with this new tool, we'll be able to be more precise in all our technical gestures. It will also enable us to make the most of our latest land acquisitions, whether Clos Labarde or Bellisle-Mondotte, neighboring crus that will for the time being be part of the second wine. In 2020, in this new concept, the restaurant should reopen with the same Michelin-starred chef, David Charrier. 2017 and 2018 mark the arrival of a fresher, clearer style.

Decanter

About the wine:

The first vintage produced without malolactic fermentation in barrel, it presents elegant, fresh fruit in a linear style with very fine tannins and a supple, seductive texture. 2027-2049

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Is there a Bordeaux château that has achieved a more radical stylistic revolution in such a short space of time than Troplong Mondot? Since the arrival of Aymeric de Gironde at the estate in late 2017, the ultra-powerful "shock and awe" style of the 2000s has fallen by the wayside, and a new refinement has emerged. Of course, the deep clays that define the heart of the vineyard around the château itself, are not likely to produce light or ephemeral wines, but Aymeric de Gironde has astutely understood that (to develop an analogy), when driving downhill, you can take your foot off the gas pedal. Troplong Mondot 2019 is a brilliant confirmation of this new direction. It opens with complex aromas of wild berries, violets, coniferous undergrowth, licorice, raw cocoa and subtle spices. This is followed by a full-bodied, velvety and layered palate, fluid and perfumed, with an enveloping core of succulent fruit framed by rich, powdery tannins and lively acids. Harmonious and penetrating, I never thought I'd taste such a wine from Troplong Mondot. 2027-2060

About the domain :

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

After the death in 2014 of its owner, Christine Valette-Pariente, Troplong-Mondot, which sits on the most dominant position in Saint-Emilion, seems to be wondering about its future. Together with her husband Xavier, "Queen Christine" embodied the renaissance of this estate, which was confirmed as a Premier Grand Cru B in 2012. A well-deserved reward, first and foremost for the terroir, but also for the work accomplished by Christine and Xavier Pariente over more than twenty years. All the vintages produced since the end of the 1980s (with 1989 and 1990 at the top of the list) have pushed the cursors to the limit to demonstrate the excellence of this property located on the Mondot hillock. A page has been turned in Saint-Emilion's contemporary history. The château offers an excellent restaurant in a personal and refined setting, as well as magnificent guest rooms (Les Belles Perdrix).

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

The magnificent Merlot blend has raised the alcohol level, while giving the wine a touch of velvet and power. This estate is now at the top of its game, producing a generously ripe wine with black plum aromas. It's lifted by acidity while reinforcing the wine's intensity. Drink from 2026.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

Troplong Mondot's teams have reached another milestone in their 3-year revolution. The nose announces depth, brilliance and beautiful definition. Superb mouthfeel, extremely velvety texture, both creamy and energetic. Underneath, the natural power of the terroir is superbly contained: an iron fist in a velvet glove, all finesse, precision and subtlety. The whole is juicy, aromatic, electrifying. The finish is both sanguine and mineral, very invigorating. This wine has many lives ahead of it.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The 2019 is shaping up more and more like a consecration, like a rebirth, like the obvious turning point begun in 2017. The symbiosis between freshness and maturity, between chalky and fruity nuances, between charm and rigor. On the palate, the wine stands out not for its opulence, but for its muscles, for its ability to reconcile power and precision with sapidity and sensuality. A brilliant, highly accomplished wine. Maintenant - 2049

Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

About the wine:

Superb nose of violet, black fruit, blackcurrant and raspberry, with a remarkable overall brightness and purity. What brilliance and freshness on the nose! Juicy, fleshy texture, dense but not rough, with a crystalline texture, great purity, precision and freshness. Perfectly integrated, satiny tannins, laser-like as the English say, superb, tracing length, and above all an airy, pure, delicate finish. A great Troplong Mondot, every bit as good as the formidable 2018 and perhaps even better in the long term. One of the wines closest to its terroir. Well done!