ChateauTroplongMondotSaint-EmilionGrandCru2010Jeroboam

On the right bank of Bordeaux, where most of estates do not exceed 10 hectares, Château Troplong Mondot boasts one of the largest estates in the Saint-Émilion appellation. Founded in 1700, the Premier Grand Cru Classé Château Troplong Mondot produces one of the most beloved wines of Saint-Émilion.rrVineyard: A benchmark among the finest wines in Saint-Emilion, Château Troplong Mondot watches over a 43-hectare vineyard, all in on piece, that is poised at an altitude of 110 metres. The vineyard is entirely managed using integrated viticultural practices. The vines are 30 years old on average and are cultivated on clay-limestone soils, a typical feature of the appellation.rrWeather in 2010: The dry summer months helped concentrate the Merlot grapes, and provided there was a percentage of clay in the soils the vines avoided adverse stress. This, coupled with the success of both Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, augured well for the appellation which has produced some excellent wines. Only producers with essentially sandy-gravel soils (and no clay) or those who picked too late have bucked the trend. Alcohol degrees are as high if not higher than in 2009 (14-15+ degrees) but are surprisingly less obvious due to high acidity and low pHs. This is particularly the case where there’s limestone in the soils, and wines on the plateau have faired particularly well. As usual St-Emilion runs the gamut of styles but the general trend is for deeply coloured wines with a profusion of tannin softened by the fruit and alcohol content and freshness on the finish. Outwardly, they are more ‘classicalâ€?and structured than in 2009.rrTechnical Information:rRegion: BordeauxrAppellation: Saint-EmilionrGrape Varieties: 88% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon & 4% Cabernet FrancrAlcohol: 16%rClosure: CorkrDrink: Now to 2035rrTasting Note: Explodes with beautiful floral notes of red roses and candied violets over a core of plum preserves, kirsch and blueberry pie with a waft of bouquet garni. Full-bodied, rich and decadently fruited, it has bags of plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing very long and sinfully hedonic â€?Tasted by Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW