2018 Troplong Mondot
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
More baked fruit than the 2019, like cake. Fuller in body too, but with the same finely brushed tannins and a good dose of acid. There's an almost Rioja-esque edge here in that generosity and softness. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A powerful vintage, making this a real test of the 'new regime' at Troplong. You can feel the power struggle between rich ripe fruit, liqourice and cocoa bean against fresher strands of eucalyptus, rosemary, turmeric and sage, and the push-and-pull of this combat makes for a fascinating wine. Delivers shape and momentum, and brings in a much-needed shot of fresh mint and aloe juice on the finish. A wine with power, impact and architecture, buoyed up rather than weighed down by tannic structure and ripe fruit. 60% new oak, Thomas Duclos consultant.
100% Merlot. Inviting, voluptuous character on nose and palate with red-berry spices, sweet, juicy fruit and fine tannins. Touch of leafiness on the finish with a lingering spice-driven aftertaste. (AWH)
Tasted blind. Weaker crimson than most. Sweet and bloody on the palate – one of the wines that most resembles the pre-Rolland (winemaker) St-Émilions. Not exaggerated and offering lots of sweet fruit. Good balance and length. (JR)
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.