2001 Troplong Mondot
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Tasting notes
A vintage where the best wines are all about nuance and understated charm, here you get plenty of grilled sandalwood, charcoal, campfire smoke. Well built if a little constricted in its tannic hold, and the oak dominance becomes clear as you head through the palate, with things closing down on the finish. Give it time to open, and allow the cassis, tar and black truffle to arrive, clearly settling in for the long haul. No question that Troplong in those days turned Merlot into a Cabernet-style powerhouse, and this character is still clear two decades after bottling. Has impact, with estate but not vintage signature, I would wait a little longer before drinking, or give it a long time in a carafe. 100% new oak, Michel Rolland consultant.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Feels distinctly cooler, slightly more vegetal on the nose. The palate lacks depth compared with 2000. Pleasant enough on the first taste but there’s not a lot behind it. Finishes a bit short. (AWH)
The 2001 Troplong Mondot, which is almost entirely Merlot, has a little more amplitude and personality on the nose than the previous vintage, offering a mélange of red and black fruit, blood orange and a sprinkling of white pepper. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and crisp acidity. It tightens up in the glass, turning slightly powdery in texture, and delivers dark cherries, sloe and fig with good persistence. Like the 2000, this is quite precocious and forward, but it shows more tension and complexity toward the finish. Still solid after two decades, this should be decanted or left for another 5–7 years in bottle.
About the producer
This estate – promoted in 2006 to Premier Grand Cru Classé B – is perched at the highest point in Saint-Emilion. Aymeric de Gironde has been managing the property since 2017 and guided it to new heights.