Château Mondot Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2021
Perched atop a singular hill overlooking the ancient village of Saint-Émilion, Château Mondot has stood as an understated beacon of exceptional terroir since its creation in 1700. The estate — the second wine of the legendary Château Troplong Mondot — occupies a position like no other in the appellation, its lofty elevation and unique soil profile setting it apart from its neighbors on the limestone plateau.
The secret lies beneath the surface: Mondot's hill is one of the only places in Saint-Émilion where ancient Agenais Molasse clays, formed during the region's geological creation, have survived erosion to great depths, overlying the astéries limestone so characteristic of the appellation. This rare clay-over-limestone profile is the defining signature of Mondot's wines — lending them structure, freshness, and a distinctive mineral tension that sets them apart.
The 2021 Mondot holds a special place in the estate's history: it is the last vintage produced exclusively from Merlot grown on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau — a milestone worth cellaring. Bright and vibrant in character, the wine reflects the cool, precise nature of the 2021 vintage with crystalline energy and elegant restraint.
Deep ruby in the glass, the wine opens with floral wildflower and crushed flower aromas, followed by red cherry, blackberry, currant, orange peel, cola, mint, and white pepper, with a touch of toasted oak and blue fruit. The palate is refined and focused — not plush or heavy — with pure acidity, a gorgeous tannic structure, and a mouthwatering, saline finish with notes of liquorice and wet stone. Drink from 2027.
Wine Enthusiast — 93 pts
"Floral wildflower aromas. Partial wood aging has produced a wine with light toast and pure acidity. Black-currant flavors are dominant with bright acidity as well as structure. Drink from 2027." (Vintage 2021).
Decanter — 93 pts
"Beautifully delicate and fragrant — a touch of cola, blue fruits and salt with green pepper and toasted oak. Refined and focussed, crisp and mouthwatering, excellent energy and sense of life with a delicious moreish liquorice, wet stone finish. A serious, well-constructed wine with depth but no heaviness." (Vintage 2021).
James Suckling — 92 pts
"A vivid and bright red with currant, orange peel and some light spices. Medium body and fine tannins that turn dusty in the finish." (Vintage 2021).
Vinous — 91 pts
"A bright, vibrant wine. Crushed flowers, red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white pepper abound. A wine of crystalline energy and tension — super-impressive." (Vintage 2021).
Wine Advocate — 90 pts
"Charming and expressive, bursting with aromas of blackberries, plums, orange zest and spices. Medium to full-bodied, ample and velvety, seamless and suave, with succulent acids and a mouthwateringly saline finish. The last rendition of Mondot produced exclusively from Merlot growing on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau." (Vintage 2021).
Varietal: 100% Merlot (final vintage)
Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2021
Format: 750ml
Scores: 93 WE | 93 Decanter | 92 JS | 91 Vinous | 90 WA
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