2012 Troplong Mondot
By Chateau Troplong Mondot
2012 Troplong Mondot from Chateau Troplong Mondot, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
The 2012 vintage in Saint-Émilion was one that saw a veritable race against time, a battle with a challenging growing season that ultimately delivered wines of finesse and distinction. In this company, the 2012 Troplong Mondot from Chateau Troplong Mondot strikes a poised figure, defining what skilled winemaking can achieve in an erratic year.
Refinement in the Glass: A Testimonial to 2012
The 2012 vintage witnessed fluctuating conditions, oscillating between the stresses of wet weather and the blessings of a warm late summer. However, patience and precision have always been virtues at Chateau Troplong Mondot, and the fruit harvested in 2012 resonates with the estate's commitment to excellence under pressure. This vintage encapsulates a maturity and depth usually reserved for more idyllic years, delivering an investment-worthy collectible for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
Artful Viticulture Meets Winemaking Prowess
Troplong Mondot’s exemplary standards savvily countered the whims of the year—something perceptible in every glass of the estate's 2012 blend. The Merlot shines prominently, buttressed by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, crafting a wine exhibit that commands attention through its richness and complexity.
Structured yet silky tannins frame dark plums and blackberries on the palate, while subtle earthy elements ground the tasting experience. A careful orchestration of oak influence lends toasted notes that marry perfectly with hints of dark chocolate and spice, culminating in an elegantly lingering finish that reaffirms the potential found within this distinguished bottle.
In summary, the 2012 Troplong Mondot is a triumph over Mother Nature's hurdles, yielding an enigmatic wine that flourishes as a sophisticated choice for fine wine investments. Its deftly balanced profile stands as testimony to the capabilities of Chateau Troplong Mondot even when faced with the unpredictable Bordeaux climate. It is indeed a memorable addition to any investor's portfolio or collector’s cellar seeking both distinction and potential capital appreciation.
Market price (USD)
$920.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
47.5
Scores and tasting notes
The 2012 is another truly great wine from Troplong Mondot. It’s always sentimental to taste this wine, realizing that proprietress Christine Valette (the larger-than-life heart and soul behind this estate) has passed away. She was one of the bright, shining stars of Bordeaux. Nevertheless, her legacy is certainly well-established, and the quality of this wine is beyond reproach. Inky bluish purple, its great notes of cassis, blackberry, licorice are followed by a full-bodied, opulently textured wine with stunning concentration, purity and overall balance. It should drink well for 20-25 years and turn out to be one of the great superstars of 2012. Their 63-acre vineyard was cropped at 31 hectoliters per hectare, producing a final blend of 90% Merlot and 10 Cabernet Sauvignon that achieved 14.2% alcohol.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2015
One of the superstars of the vintage, it boasts an inky/purple color as well as abundant notes of blueberry liqueur, graphite, truffles, acacia flowers and subtle toast. Full-bodied, opulent and already easy to drink, this large-scaled wine possesses high levels of tannin, but they are relatively well-concealed by the extravagant fruit, glycerin, texture and density of this compelling Troplong Mondot. This impressive wine may shut down after bottling and require 4-5 years of cellaring. It has the potential to last at least 15-20 years. Bravo! From a 63-acre vineyard on the high plateau (called the Plateau of Mondot) adjacent to the famous limestone hillside, the Cote Pavie, the 2012 Troplong Mondot is another fabulous success. Cropped at 31 hectoliters per hectare with malolactic in barrel, this blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon hit 14.2% natural alcohol. Three-fourths of the production went into the grand vin.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206
Rich and powerful yet velvety with polished tannins and a long finish. Full and impressive. Remains fresh despite slightly elevated alcohol.
James Suckling - JamesSuckling.com
The Grand Vin is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked between 9th and 23rd October. It has a very intense bouquet with lifted aromas of macerated dark cherries, blueberry jam and confit aromas. The palate is full-bodied with sumptuous black fruit, dense tannins but in my opinion, better balance than the 2010 and 2011. The alcohol is lower here, hovering around the high 13 percent mark, which render a better Troplong, whilst the citric edge keep everything focused. This is a very fine Saint Emilion. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013