Located in Bordeaux's renowned Saint-Émilion appellation, Chateau Troplong Mondot exemplifies the region's rich viticultural heritage. This historic estate has earned a stellar reputation for producing exceptional Merlot-dominant wines that epitomize the elegance and complexity inherent in the terroir of Saint-Émilion. Now owned by the French insurance company SCOR and spearheaded by winemaker Aymeric de Gironde, Chateau Troplong Mondot has transformed into one of the world's most sought-after wines.
Troplong Mondot: A Storied Past
Chateau Troplong Mondot's history dates back to the 17th century, when the property was owned by Abbe Raymond de Seze. The iconic chateau that graces the estate today was constructed in 1745 under the careful eye of de Seze, a prominent figure in the Bordeaux wine community. By 1850, the estate fell into the hands of Raymond Troplong, who amalgamated his name with the property, giving rise to Chateau Troplong Mondot. Over the years, the estate changed ownership, passing through notable hands such as Georges Thienpont and Alexander Valette. It wasn't until 1936 that the property became family-owned, remaining so until 2017.
Christine Valette: The Driving Force Behind Troplong Mondot
Christine Valette took the reins in 1980, ushering in a new era of innovation and a commitment to excellence. Under Christine Valette's stewardship, significant changes transformed Chateau Troplong Mondot. The shift from machine to hand harvesting, reduced yields, removal of Malbec vines, and the introduction of double Guyot pruning marked a dedication to quality. Vinification improvements, the addition of stainless steel vats, and the creation of the second wine, Mondot, in 1985 further underscored the estate's commitment to crafting exceptional wines.
The introduction of renowned consultant Michel Rolland and subsequent collaborations with Jean-Philippe Fort and Thomas Duclos enhanced the winemaking process. The Troplong Mondot 1989 and 1990 vintages marked a turning point, and by the 2000s, the chateau was hailed as one of the Right Bank's top wines.
Tragically, Christine Valette passed away in 2014, but Xavier Pariente continued the legacy, managing the estate effectively. In 2017, the property changed hands again, this time to the French Insurance Company, SCOR, setting a record for the sale price per hectare.
Chateau Troplong Mondot Sees A New Chapter
Post-acquisition, a series of changes reshaped Chateau Troplong Mondot. New cellars, construction projects, and the appointment of Aymeric de Gironde as director signaled promising change to the estate's future. The consulting partnership with Jean Philippe Forts ended, and additional vineyard land from Chateau Bellisle Mondotte and Clos La Barde expanded the estate's holdings. The 2017 vintage witnessed a stylistic transformation with earlier harvesting, reduced new oak usage, and modified vinification techniques. The result is a fresher, less concentrated wine that showcases a more classic profile, emphasizing the limestone-rich terroir.
Troplong Mondot: Saint-Emilion Vineyard & Terroir
Perched at an elevation that grants panoramic views of the entire Saint-Emilion village, Troplong Mondot's 37-hectare terroir is nothing short of extraordinary. In an appellation of chateaux that barely hold 10 hectares, Troplong Mondot's atypical landscape grants the estate incomparable luxuries. The vineyard's highest point reaches over 100 meters, making it the loftiest spot in Saint Emilion. Furthermore, the recent acquisition of 10.5 hectares from Clos Labarde and Belisse Mondotte adds another layer to the vineyard's complexity, further enhancing the palette of possibilities for winemaking.
The very soul of Troplong Mondot lies in its terroir – a captivating blend of deep limestone deposits beneath layers of thick clay soil. Adding a touch of intrigue, sedimentary fragments of flint and limestone are scattered throughout the vineyard. As you explore, the rocks, flint, and stones form a captivating centerpiece, emphasizing the unique character derived from the Saint-Emilion terroir.
While some sections are richer in clay and limestone, the terroir has gradually transformed since 1988. According to Christine Valette, 1989 marked a pivotal year, witnessing the estate's inaugural Bordeaux masterpiece. The original blend featured 65% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec – a composition that reflects a bygone era of vineyard planting.
Chateau Troplong Mondot Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Heritage
Under SOCR's ownership, Troplong Mondot underwent strategic replanting, bidding farewell to Malbec and welcoming an increased amount of Merlot. The introduction of new rootstocks on top of fostering low yields showcases the estate's commitment to preserving heritage while adapting to modern viticultural practices. The average age of the vines is around 30 years, with some venerable vines approaching the centennial mark. Near the barrel room at the summit of the slopes, vines planted in 1926 and others from 1947 and 1948 are living testaments to the estate's rich history.
With 33% of the vines farmed organically, including the use of horses for vineyard management, the estate blends tradition with forward-thinking practices.
Beginning in 2007, a comprehensive renovation of the winemaking facilities was initiated. The introduction of truncated, stainless-steel vats and, later, conical-shaped vats in 2020 demonstrates a meticulous approach to winemaking, allowing for a parcel-by-parcel focus and preserving the integrity of each terroir expression.
Ultimately, Troplong Mondot's legacy and innovative, contemporary winemaking ideals led to the chateau's promotion to Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe in 2006.
Troplong Mondot Wine
Chateau Troplong Mondot's winemaking philosophy is led by head winemaker Aymeric de Gironde, who brings his experience from Cos d'Estournel, LVMH with Hennessy and Krug, and AXA Millésimes. The Merlot-dominant final blends are celebrated for their aromatic richness and elegant precision. Mocha, licorice, and dried herbs dominate the palate, which provides a full-bodied mouthfeel.
Troplong Mondot 1998
Troplong Mondot's 1998 effort is regularly referred to as one of the estate's greatest, with Robert Parker noting, "A fabulous effort, this sleeper of the vintage may turn out to be the finest Troplong-Mondot since the 1990." The bottle is still in high demand today, as only 6,500 cases were produced, making it one of Bordeaux's most sought-after wines.
Troplong Mondot Saint-Emilion 2008
The 2008 Troplong Mondot was cited as a potential "wine of the vintage" by multiple critics who each praised the bottle for its incredible aging ability, full-bodied opulence, and delicate balance of fruit on the palate. With a final blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine perfectly displays all the qualities that have made drinkers fall in love with Troplong Mondot.
Add Troplong Mondot to Your Collection
With a rich history, a commitment to sustainable practices, and a terroir that imparts unique characteristics to its wines, this estate continues to captivate the palates of wine connoisseurs worldwide. Exploring the wines of Chateau Troplong Mondot is not just a journey through time; it is an immersion into the artistry and craftsmanship that define the essence of Saint-Émilion.
