1996 Troplong Mondot
By Chateau Troplong Mondot
1996 Troplong Mondot from Chateau Troplong Mondot, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
In the canopy of exceptional Bordeaux vintages, the 1996 Troplong Mondot from Chateau Troplong Mondot has stitched its own niche. Herein lies a portrait of discreet opulence and intricate craftsmanship that reflects the unique conditions of its birth year in Saint-Emilion.
A Vintage Speaks
While 1996 is often heralded for the resounding success of left-bank appellations, Saint-Emilion has its own tale of serendipity to share. A longestablished jewel in the proverbial crown of Right Bank endeavour, Chateau Troplong Mondot's rendition of this year's bounty harmonises power with elegance — a vintage characterised by a generous bouquet and longevity.
The Quintessence of Terroir Interwoven with Time
As one decants the 1996 Troplong Mondot, an orchestra of aromas emerges, undiminished by the passage of time. Initial notes of ripe dark cherry and cassis lay the foundation for subtler hints of truffle and tobacco – an enchanting prelude to the complexity that awaits on the palate. The vintage reveals an exquisite structure; tannins, once formidable in their youth, now grace the mouthfeel with a refined silkiness that only decades of careful cellaring can bestow. The finish is composed and lingering, leaving an indelible impression akin to the final word in a stirring novel.
An Astute Addition to Any Fine Wine Portfolio
For enthusiasts and investors alike, a bottle such as the 1996 Troplong Mondot represents not just a liquid treasure but an artifact of viticultural history. Its performance over time showcases both resilience and magnificence, making it a prized asset in any discerning collection with an eye to both enjoyment and capital appreciation.
In reflecting upon this wine from Chateau Troplong Mondot, one observes not just a snapshot of 1996 in Saint-Emilion but a continuing narrative that speaks volumes about the estate's mastery over its craft. A confluence of favourable climatic conditions and winemaking expertise has endowed this wine with a profile worthy of reverence – a luminary inclusion for those looking to diversify their portfolios with fine vintages from Bordeaux’s prestigious terroirs.
Market price (USD)
$970.00
12x75cl
Highest score
91
POP score
72.73
Scores and tasting notes
First tasted in April 1998: very dark ruby colour. Nose sweet and feminine and quite attractive. Beautifully balanced with classy, sweet liquorish fruits. Harmonious. Superb wine for long-term aging. Retasted in Bordeaux in July 2003: a very fragrant nose, loaded with spice, glycerin and raspberry. The palate is still quite tannic but there is great concentration of liquorice infused fruits. Good grip. Blackcurrant and burnt toast on the finish. Superb.
Neal Martin - Wine Advocate - Wine Journal
I am still not sure which direction this wine is ultimately going to take. Its dense ruby/purple color with notes of licorice, toasty new oak, and black currant and berry fruit are certainly promising. In the mouth it is medium-bodied, but still the tannin levels are very high and the tannin a bit sharp/astringent. The wine has lost some of its austerity, but still needs to flesh out to merit a score close to 90. Patience is till a prerequisite here, but will it ever become totally harmonious? Anticipated maturity: 2006-2018. Last tasted, 11/02.
Robert Parker Jr - Bordeaux Book, 4th Edition Jan 2003
Now reaching 20 years old, the 1996 Troplong-Mondot has a rather staid bouquet that is missing a sense of animation and terroir expression. It kind of just "sits there." The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin, a touch of chocolate and candied orange peel, nicely weighted in the mouth with a little more freshness on the finish than exhibited by the nose. This was not a great Saint Emilion vintage and this Troplong-Mondot cannot transcend that, but it gives modest drinking pleasure. Tasted July 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016