2001 Troplong Mondot
By Chateau Troplong Mondot
2001 Troplong Mondot from Chateau Troplong Mondot, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
Entering the realm of the illustrious Saint-Emilion, the 2001 vintage stands as a testament to both the resilience and latent magnificence of Bordeaux's hallowed terroir. The 2001 Troplong Mondot from Chateau Troplong Mondot encapsulates this confluence of challenges and mastery, presenting a rare opportunity for fine wine investors to behold an exemplary offering from a year that balanced on the knife-edge of climatic adversity.
Defiance in a Difficult Year
The 2001 vintage was not without its tribulations across Bordeaux, with unpropitious conditions casting aspersions on the potential for excellence. It takes a vineyard of exceptional pedigree to transcend such limitations, and Chateau Troplong Mondot is one such estate, its wines delivering a compendium of complexity and finesse even under duress. The year’s cool, damp summer may have curtailed expectations, but ultimately it laid the foundations for an extended ripening period, culminating in harvests that surprised and enchanted in equal measure.
The Pinnacle of Patience
On approach, the 2001 Troplong Mondot courts the senses with matured yet vigorous aromas - a mélange of ripe plums, tobacco leaf, and a subtle whisper of truffle. As one delves deeper into this vinous narrative, there lies an intricate lattice of black cherries enrobed in dark chocolate, with wisps of earthy minerality affirming its Saint-Emilion roots.
The palate reveals this vintage's sterling quality through refined tannins and an ethereal balance between concentrated fruitiness and seasoned oak's endearing embrace. Age has coaxed forth seductive silkiness; it is a wine that articulately conveys its story—one punctuated by both the trials of nature and the triumphs of human endeavour.
For the discerning investor seeking to expand their portfolio with wines demonstrating Bordeaux's capacity for grace under pressure, the 2001 Troplong Mondot is a paragon amongst peers. In every sip it reveals its heritage, articulating a narrative that resonates deep within the foundations of fine winemaking.
In summation, the 2001 Troplong Mondot appears as an intricate tapestry woven from the threads of challenge and perseverance. It doesn't merely survive; it thrives with a character shaped by its year's complexities. A jewel in the crown of Saint-Emilion vintages that speaks to those who listen closely—those who understand that every glass holds more than wine; it holds history.
Market price (HKD)
HK$8,030.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
60
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On horizontal. This has a dark garnet core with a youthful ruby rim. The nose is rich and generous with raspberry coulis, sloes, fresh fig and just a touch of Hoi Sin sauce. One feels that it is on the tipping point of primal into secondary aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of burnt toast on the entry, very harmonious with a leafy Cabernet Franc component starting to deliver. Nicely balanced with a slight salt tang towards the finish and a peppery aftertaste, this is a Saint Emilion '01 full of character and charm. Tasted March 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011
This estate continues to merit substantial praise. Let's hope in the upcoming revised Classification of the Wines of St.-Emilion, Troplong Mondot merits elevation to Premier Grand Cru Classe, which it has deserved for some time. Not far off the pace of the spectacular 2000, the 2001 is performing even better from bottle than it was from cask. A gorgeous perfume of plum jam, creme de cassis, flowers, licorice, black fruits, a hint of graphite, and well-integrated wood notes is followed by a medium to full-bodied St.-Emilion with superb texture, great flavor purity, and tremendous harmony as well as elegance. Remarkably approachable despite its impressive concentration and well-concealed tannin, this is a beauty. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2017.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #153 June 2004
This estate continues to merit substantial praise. Let’s hope in the upcoming revised Classification of the Wines of St.-Emilion, Troplong Mondot merits elevation to Premier Grand Cru Classe, which it has deserved for some time. Not far off the pace of the spectacular 2000, the 2001 is performing even better from bottle than it was from cask. A gorgeous perfume of plum jam, creme de cassis, flowers, licorice, black fruits, a hint of graphite, and well-integrated wood notes is followed by a medium to full-bodied St.-Emilion with superb texture, great flavor purity, and tremendous harmony as well as elegance. Remarkably approachable despite its impressive concentration and well-concealed tannin, this is a beauty. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2017.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2004