Mondot 2018

Crushed plum, warmed cassis and steeped blackberry fruit roll through, infused with hints of mocha, warm earth and sweet tobacco. There is a savory sparkle through the finish. Drink now through 2027. 2,500 cases made.

This shows the power of Merlot in its very upfront fruit, with a focus on purity of expression and floral, cherry blossom and redcurrant aromatics. No sulphites were used until the wine was barreled, which helps the aromatics shine. It’s a plump wine with juicy fruit. They carried out slow, gentle extractions with a cold soak to maintain freshness, giving it charm and softness, although it obviously lacks the depth of Troplong itself. This will be released in three years, when it’s considered ready to drink. Yield: 49 hl/ha.

(100% Merlot) Floral, silky, sweet bouquet; red berries, cherries, redcurrants, mint. Slim, elegant, refined palate with fresh, delicate fruit, well-integrated acidity, medium, fine tannins, fragrant aromatics, and a subtle finish. 17/20 2022 - 2036

This is a second wine that really impressed me En Primeur, and whenever I have tasted it at the estate since. It was not released until 2021, as it was held back until ready to drink. I recommend seeking it out: not only is it a delicious wine, but it’s also instructive in showcasing the flavours, nuance and structure that pure limestone soils can give a wine—particularly true if you compare it to the richer, more powerful flavours of the main estate wine from deeper clay-limestone soils. This has delicacy, with redcurrant and raspberry fruit, and a slightly austere edge that widens and softens with time in the glass, adding plumpness and texture to the fruit and giving a mouthwatering finish. Yield of 49 hl/ha.

Slightly chocolaty, Mondot’s bouquet also shows freshness, owed to its limestone soils. Fresh and juicy on the palate, the wine is slightly saline on the attack and held together by incisive tannins. A mouthwatering wine.

While the first wine has significantly changed its style, the second wine, which is 100% merlot, benefits even more. Beautiful deep dark red colour. Intense nose with ripe, spicy fruit. This distinctive note recalls wines from the south. The palate charms with a refined touch that evokes not only the texture but also the taste of blackberry jelly. Broad, flavourful, and endowed with an overall grace previously unknown, this wine finishes superbly and is impossible to spit out. Alcohol: 14.5% - pH: 3.56. Best enjoyed young.

Medium bodied, fresh, bright, forward and fruity, this is quite nice for early drinking while waiting for Troplong Mondot to mature. The wine is made from 100% Merlot. 87-89 Pts