Appellations

Troplong Mondot 2011

St Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B

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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!

Score: 95 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2034 Date: 01 April 2014

The wine boasts a dense blue/purple color as well as aromas of black raspberries, blackberries, acacia flowers, espresso, toasty oak, and a sweet, mossy, foresty character that ranges from an autumnal, vegetative smell to minerality. Opulent, dense and strikingly rich and extracted with moderately high tannins, this is one of the bigger, richer wines of the vintage. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 20-25. Christine Valette has turned in another impressive performance, although despite its obvious success, the 2011 will never be compared with what she achieved in the three previous vintages, 2008, 2009 and 2010, not to mention the monumental 2005. Yields were 41 hectoliters per hectare, and the final blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc hit 14.5% natural alcohol. (91-93+ Points)

Score: 91 - 93 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2016-2041 Date: 30 April 2012

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.

Score: 87 - 89 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 30 April 2012

This is a solid, muscular, dense plum-colored wine with earthy cassis aromas as well as flavors. Medium to full-bodied, tannic and fresh, with a crisp profile, this husky Pauillac will require time. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2030.

Score: 16 - 17 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2017-2027 Date: 24 April 2012

Dark and modern but the power commensurate with the vintage. Intense, spicy and rich but a little less force and more finesse.

Score: 17 - 18 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2020-2030 Date: 16 April 2012

A gorgeous red, offering ganache and fig notes melded nicely together, with ample heft, but good freshness, with a long, dark, richly layered finish. This goes for power-and pulls it off.

Score: 91 - 94 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 11 April 2012

I love the aromas of blackberries with hints of minerals and flowers. Hints of subtle sandalwood. Full body, with a beautiful balance of juicy fruit and bright acidity. Long and spicy with intense character. 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 April 2012