Château Troplong Mondot Saint-Emilion 2022 - 1er Grand Cru Classé B

Crowning the Côte Pavie, this 27-hectare vineyard has suffered less from erosion than any of the other Saint-Emilion crus. The uniqueness of this contiguous terroir stems from this specific location, as well as its very dense, heavy clays—originating from the Agenais region and interspersed with stones and pebbles. Its former owner, Catherine Valette-Pariente, who passed away in 2014, had restored Troplong Mondot to its former glory; the estate was acquired in 2017 by the reinsurer Scor. The property was then entrusted to Aymeric de Gironde, who had previously managed Cos d’Estournel, one of the Médoc’s most prominent classified growths. To help the wine gain more nuance and freshness, this native of the Charente region modified the winemaking process upon his arrival: a gentler method based on the infusion of pomace and raw materials, along with a reduction in the use of new barrels, were the first adjustments made. To better showcase the vineyard plots, a new winery is under construction: with this new facility, the team will be able to execute all technical processes with greater precision. It will also allow for better utilization of the latest land acquisitions—such as Clos Labarde and Bellisle-Mondotte, neighboring vineyards that will, for the time being, be blended into the second wine. In 2020, as part of this new concept, the restaurant is set to reopen with the same Michelin-starred chef, David Charrier. The 2017 and 2018 vintages mark the arrival of a fresher, more accessible style.

Sublime aromas waft from the glass, revealing notes of dried herbs, tobacco, mint, and blackcurrant. Sumptuous and generous, its texture, richness, and aromatic depth are simply impressive: round and full-bodied, yet with such finesse that it never feels too heavy. It displays controlled power and remarkable confidence. Balanced, harmonious, and irresistible, this is an incredible wine that already seems very approachable. Its impeccable tannins and aromas of juicy red fruits, enhanced by subtle notes of salty licorice, lend it nuance and interest. Still a bit shy, but what potential! Wonderful. 2030–2050

The 2022 Troplong Mondot has proven to be exceptionally beautiful. It exudes aromas of wild blackberries intertwined with notes of licorice, rose petals, incense, and pencil lead. Full-bodied, complex, and multidimensional, with tremendous volume on the mid-palate, superb integration, and an indescribable sense of fullness. This terroir consistently produces wines of great power, but I have never tasted a Troplong that is at once so powerful, yet so harmonious and smooth. With a full-bodied finish featuring notes of violet, the 2022 embodies the very essence of this remarkable terroir. 2028–2055

 

Following the passing in 2014 of its owner, Christine Valette-Pariente, Troplong-Mondot—which sits atop the most commanding vantage point in Saint-Emilion—seems to be questioning its future. “Queen Christine,” along with her husband Xavier, embodied the rebirth of this estate, which was confirmed in 2012 as a Premier Grand Cru B. A well-deserved distinction, first and foremost due to the terroir, but also to the work carried out by Christine and Xavier Pariente over more than twenty years. Every vintage produced since the late 1980s (with 1989 and 1990 leading the way) has pushed the boundaries to demonstrate the excellence of this estate situated on the Mondot hill. A chapter has come to a close, one that has left its mark on the contemporary history of Saint-Emilion. It’s worth noting that the château features an excellent restaurant in an intimate and refined setting, as well as magnificent guest rooms (Les Belles Perdrix).

A wine of remarkable elegance and precision, the 2022 Troplong Mondot is exquisite. Crushed flowers, red berries, blood orange, spices, and menthol intertwine on the palate. Troplong Mondot is undoubtedly one of the most silky and refined wines of the vintage. Perfect balance. Tasted twice. 2030–2052

Six years ago, Troplong-Mondot embarked on a spectacular transformation; now it is fine-tuning the details. Driven by its unique terroir, it strikes a perfect balance between power and brilliance. Grounded yet dynamic, it displays a dense, fresh texture and an energy that permeates every facet of its tannins. It is precise, athletic, and elegant: a wing forward with both strength and grace.

The bouquet unfolds in a delicate, subtle manner, while still emphasizing its depth. The wine is not flashy; it captures the attention with clear, accessible notes that awaken all the senses attuned to complexity and finesse. Very serene, the wine reveals a multitude of nuances, with freshness as its common thread. On the palate, the experience is much the same as the olfactory journey. The wine begins by revealing itself timidly, before allowing its incisive structure to take the lead and carry it forward, alongside tannins that are certainly firm but supportive, powerful, and perfectly integrated—further enhancing the freshness and persistence of the finish. A truly great Troplong Mondot—precise, mouth-watering, invigorating, and bordering on perfection. It has many years ahead of it to surpass itself and blossom even further! A great success. A serene, authoritative, and gracious wine that knows exactly where it’s going and offers promising—and, above all, already tangible—prospects. 2028–2048