At a glance

Producer

Chateau Troplong Mondot

Region

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Predominantly Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$110-$150 USD per 750ml bottle (en primeur and early retail offers)

Tasting profile

Primary aromas of black cherry, plum, violets, graphite, with notes of dark chocolate, licorice, baking spice, and subtle oak.

Evolution: Will develop complexity: tertiary flavors of truffle, tobacco, forest floor, and earth. Fruit profile will become more savory and harmonious.

At peak: At peak (2032-2042), expect exceptional integration, silken tannins, powerful yet refined fruit, and layered complexity typical of great right bank Bordeaux.

Structure

Acidity

Fresh, giving energy and length to the wine.

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained, and youthful; will soften with age.

Alcohol

Medium to medium-plus (approx. 14% ABV).

Aging potential

Excellent; capable of maturing gracefully for at least 25-30 years.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2031 to 2053

Optimal window

2028 to 2056

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Tightly wound, with vibrant fruit, fresh acidity, and prominent tannins. Best cellared for further development.

Chateau Troplong Mondot 2021 is structured for long-term aging due to its concentration and backbone. The vintage’s cooler style also preserves freshness, with optimal development anticipated from 2032 onward. Earlier drinking will reveal more youthful fruit but less tertiary complexity.

Food pairing

Best paired with roast lamb, aged beef, duck with black truffle, earthy mushrooms, or hard aged cheeses (Comté, Gruyère).

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has firm, youthful tannins that will benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Reduced chemical inputs; significant vineyard biodiversity; cover cropping; non-interventionist winemaking; use of horses in some parcels; solar energy investment; water management; lightweight glass bottle study begun. Emphasis on local hiring and community engagement.

Chateau Troplong Mondot is a recognized sustainability leader among Bordeaux grands crus: HVE Level 3 certification and ongoing conversion to organic farming highlight strong commitment. Vineyard and ecosystem health prioritized, reduction of synthetic inputs, investments in renewable energy, and research into sustainable packaging all boost their rating. Still, imports to distant global markets increase the carbon footprint compared to fully local wines. Not biodynamic, but practices exceed basic sustainability standards for Bordeaux. Progress toward full organic expected by 2025.