As we are sure you are aware by this point in the campaign, we have been very selective in our offering of 2018 Bordeaux 2018 En Primeur… nothing is set to change in that respect. This brings us to the release this morning of Château Troplong Mondot, Grand Cru Classé, St Emilion at £460 per 6 bottle case in bond.
This is a dramatic and very welcome return to form for Troplong Mondot, showing beautifully concentrated fruit and exemplary precision.
Simon had always highly rated Troplong Mondot vintages in the 1980s and 1990s, with the pairs 1989 and 1990 as well as 1995 and 1996 being two impressive duos. While structured, these were always elegant wines with great harmony. The style then seemed to change to a bigger, riper, heavier interpretation of the vineyard, in the belief that this might be the way to launch Troplong Mondot into the top tier of St Emilion. In 2017, a change of ownership after the death of Christine Valette led to the appointment of Aymeric de Gironde (formerly of Cos d’Estournel) as director. Aymeric engaged the consultant oenologist Thomas Duclos to help restyle the wine. Duclos is very much a rising star in Bordeaux, having been influential at Château Canon, where he had a hand in the widely lauded 2015 vintage. Thomas’ influence is immediately evident in the impressive 2018 Troplong Mondot, to which elegance and harmony has been returned.
Simon’s note is below, as well as Antonio Galloni’s note for reference.
2018 Château Troplong Mondot, Grand Cru Classé, St Emilion
£460 per 6 bottle case in bond
Aromas display fragrant, softly macerated red fruit with a lifted, floral touch. The palate comprises juicy red fruits with a succulent, sleek and creamy texture, alongside a fine, racy minerality. The layered finish is marked by a touch of leafiness and bright freshness. To say that I was stunned by this release is an understatement...it is a welcomed return to the elegance that can be achieved on this property. Drinking 2025-2045 (SL)
(94-97) points Antonio Galloni
The 2018 Troplong Mondot is a remarkable wine. All the elements fall into place in a stunning, aromatically intense Troplong Mondot that is full of character. There is a level of precision and vibrancy in the 2018 that is simply breathtaking. Black cherry, raspberry, mocha, flowers, mint and spice all meld together in this captivating, arrestingly beautiful Saint-Émilion. New oak is 60%, with lower toast levels than what was common just a few years ago. The blend is 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc.
A reminder to read our 2018 Bordeaux Report if you haven't had the chance to do so yet. We are also listing all pricing that we think may be of interest, as and when wines are released.