2023 Château Troplong Mondot Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé

Château Troplong Mondot - 2023

Château Troplong Mondot, located in Saint-Émilion, presents a magnificent blend of 84% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc in their 2023 vintage. This wine reveals aromas of black raspberries, mulberries, and cherries, interwoven with notes of iris, licorice, black tea, and spices. It is a medium- to full-bodied wine, deep and layered, with the characteristic mid-tones of this terroir, surrounded by beautifully polished tannins and juicy acidity.

Climate and Harvest

Troplong Mondot's vineyards are situated on a unique clay dome, known as molasses de l'Agenais, which has never eroded. The vineyards range in altitude from 40 to 110 meters above sea level, resulting in a wide harvest window. The 2023 harvest took place from September 5 to October 9, with 60-70% being picked within nine to ten days. However, a few plots needed more time.

Vineyard Management and Vinification

Since the arrival of Aymeric de Gironde in 2017, Troplong Mondot has undergone significant changes. Horse-drawn plowing and the use of green manure have improved the soil structure. Malolactic fermentation now takes place in tanks instead of barrels, and the percentage of new oak has been significantly reduced, resulting in greater aromatic range and textural refinement.

Tasting notes

The 2023 Troplong Mondot offers a well-defined bouquet of pure blackberry, raspberry, chalk, and light sea holly notes. The palate is medium-bodied with a very fresh and mineral-driven entry, a chalky texture, and a hint of black pepper on the finish. This Saint-Émilion will continue to develop with age and has a very long finish. The wine is aged in 60% new oak barrels, 22% in 20hL foudre, and 18% in once-used oak barrels.

History and Terroir

Château Troplong Mondot, Saint-Émilion's first Grand Cru Classé, has a rich history dating back to 1745 when it was still called Domaine de Mondot. The estate is situated at the highest point of the Côte Pavie in Saint-Laurent-de-Combes. Raymond Troplong merged the names in 1850 to create Château Troplong Mondot. In the early 1900s, the château was purchased by wine merchant Alexandre Valette and underwent a renaissance under the leadership of Aymeric de Gironde since 2017. The vineyards are managed like a cultivated garden, which contributes to the exceptional quality of the wines.

Conclusion

The 2023 Troplong Mondot is a remarkable wine that combines the power of its terroir with refinement and balance. With its deep aromas, rich texture, and long finish, it's a wine that will be admired both now and for decades to come.

FACT: It's also worth mentioning that we buy our (Bordeaux) wines directly and never through intermediaries, as we don't know all the journeys the wine has made or how it has been treated. The wines come directly from the Chateau's cellars to our climate-controlled warehouse in Dordrecht, where all our wines are stored.