2011 Troplong Mondot
By Chateau Troplong Mondot
2011 Troplong Mondot from Chateau Troplong Mondot, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
The majestic 2011 vintage holds a particular charm, known widely for its early ripening and harvest. A year that began with a relatively benign winter and dry spring, the 2011 vintage presented some challenges due to erratic climatic spells in the later part of the growing season. However, the esteemed Chateau Troplong Mondot deftly navigated these vicissitudes, yielding a compelling cuvée that intrigues enthusiasts and investors alike.
A Study in Structure and Finesse:
The 2011 Troplong Mondot is a testament to the agility of this fine estate. Confronted with dryness and atypically early heat spikes, this vintage required astute vineyard management to preserve the quintessential freshness and by Saint-Émilion standards. The result is an opulent blend that asserts itself with vibrant aromas and firm structure while maintaining an underlying poise.
On the palate, one is greeted by a harmonious tryst of blackberry and plum nuances, intermingling with subtle hints of spice and tobacco derived from meticulous barrel ageing. Flawlessly integrated tannins provide a scaffold to the wine's lavish dark fruit core, while the journey through to the meticulously refined finish leaves an echo of chocolaty elegance.
A Vintage Shaped by Contrast:
Despite the caprices of the 2011 season, Chateau Troplong Mondot has sculpted a vintage that capitalises on its strengths, displaying both power and sophistication. To savour this wine is to appreciate its composition; achieved through astute viticulture that balanced risk with timing in a year where precision was paramount.
As a venerable addition to any investment portfolio, the 2011 Troplong Mondot stands as a robust yet harmonious embodiment of classic Bordeaux finesse underscoring its accolades. With age, it should burgeon into an ever more intricate mosaic of depth and complexity - a true hallmark of the resilience imprinted by its challenging vintage.
Conclusion:
Discerning collectors would do well to consider the investment potential housed within the layers of the 2011 Troplong Mondot's velvety depths. It captures a moment in time where skill triumphed over adversity - nestled in each bottle is not just a splendid libation but also a narrative of triumph for Saint-Émilion's exceptional terroir.
Market price (HKD)
HK$7,030.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
49.33
Scores and tasting notes
The brilliant 2011 Troplong Mondot is one of the superstars of the vintage. The final blend was 89% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, and the wine tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol. Its opaque blue/purple, nearly black color is followed by aromas of blueberry liqueur interwoven with black raspberries, blackberries, licorice, camphor and forest floor. Among the most complete wines of the vintage, with no hollowness, astringency or herbaceousness, this is a tour de force in a challenging vintage. Some tannins are noticeable, but this 2011 is already approachable and should provide delicious, complex drinking over the next two decades. Bravo! It was with great sadness and grief that I learned of proprietor Christine Valette’s passing on March 29, 2014 at entirely too young an age.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2014
This is a muscular wine for the vintage with loads of fruit and tannins, not to mention the new wood. Full body, chewy and intense. Lots of minerals, sweet tobacco and berries. Needs a least three to four years to soften. A big, muscular 2011. 85% merlot, 10% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 19th 2014
A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc picked from 16th September with the Merlot until 5th October with the Cabernet. The nose on the 2011 is tightly wound with reluctant blackberry and cassis notes, the alcohol more contained than last year. The palate is full-bodied with ripe, furry tannins and layers of toasty, quite spicy black fruit laced with liquorice. The finish is a little dry and mealy and comparing it directly to the sample of Chateau Canon...well, the difference cannot be disguised. Tasted April 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012