Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Troplong Mondot - 2009

Château Troplong Mondot 2009 is a remarkable red wine hailing from the prestigious Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, situated on the right bank of Bordeaux. The wine is primarily crafted from Merlot, which thrives on the estate’s limestone and clay slopes, complemented by smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 vintage is renowned for its opulence and concentration, thanks to an exceptionally warm summer and ideal harvest conditions in Bordeaux. Vinification at Troplong Mondot is meticulous, incorporating a combination of traditional and modern techniques, including hand-harvesting, extended maceration, and ageing in new French oak barrels, resulting in an expansive, layered wine with remarkable structure and complexity.

Saint-Émilion, one of Bordeaux’s most historic and lauded regions, benefits from a temperate maritime climate tempered by proximity to the Dordogne River, which moderates temperatures and reduces frosts. The area’s distinctive limestone and clay soils offer optimal drainage and impart a mineral backbone to the wines. The medieval town of Saint-Émilion itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting a centuries-old tradition of winemaking that stretches back to Roman times. This heritage, combined with a rich diversity of châteaux and microclimates, consistently produces wines of great elegance and aging potential.

Château Troplong Mondot 2009 is a wine of power and finesse, exhibiting intense aromas of ripe blackberries, plum, liquorice, truffle and hints of exotic spices. On the palate, silky tannins support layers of dark fruit, mocha and graphite, lingering on a long, sumptuous finish. This lends itself wonderfully to hearty dishes such as roasted rack of lamb with herb crust, beef Wellington, or classics like duck breast with a red wine reduction. Local dishes from the Southwest of France, such as cassoulet or confit de canard, also make for excellent companions, marrying the wine’s depth with rich, savoury flavours.

To enjoy this wine at its best, decant for at least two hours to allow its bouquet to open fully. Serve at 16-18°C to accentuate its complexities and balance between fruit and structure. Given its pedigree and vintage, it can readily age for another decade or more, but it already offers profound pleasure for those ready to savour it now.