2016 Chateau Troplong Mondot Premier Grand Cru Classe B Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Vinous Media (VM)

The 2016 Troplong Mondot is one of the most intense, primary wines I tasted this year. At this early stage, the 2016 tastes like it was just drained from tank, as the flavors and textures are remarkably intense. The malos are not fully finished, which is quite normal here. Even so, the purity of the flavors is striking. Plush, sensual and inviting, the 2016 is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Super-ripe dark purplish fruit, chocolate, new leather and spice overtones build into the huge, dramatic finish. As always, Troplong Mondot is one of the most flamboyant Saint-Émilions readers will come across. Macerations lasted between 21 and 35 days, with a portion of the wine vinified in 600-liter barrels. Jean-Philippe Fort is the consultant. Tasted three times. - Antonio Galloni - 01/04/2017

Wine Advocate (WA)

The 2016 Troplong-Mondot is a blend of 89% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc cropped at 48 hectoliters per hectare between 3-27 October, matured in 77% new oak. It has a decadent bouquet that seems to carry more alcohol than its peers, very pure and floral and miraculously managing to maintain satisfying delineation. The palate is underpinned by enormous tannins! This is a massive Troplong Mondot that is very dense and sinewy, a bit of a "bruiser" in its infancy. It exerts a vice-like grip in the mouth with layers of fruit laced with black pepper on the prolonged finish. What's the Spinal Tap quote about turning everything up to eleven? This is a Saint Emilion that will either transform into a legend or will topple over by the sheer weight of the tannins, which is why I gave a slightly enlarged banded score. I'll be fascinated to re-taste this in bottle. - 03/27/2017

Jancis Robinson (JR)

Dark glowing purple. Really taken to the limit of ripeness! Some gaminess and a velvety texture with a strong green streak running through it. Not a comfortable whole. As though exceptional sugar levels were the be all and end all. Not fun to drink, alas. - 04/05/2017