1986 Château Troplong Mondot - St Emilion Grand Cru Classé
The 1986 Troplong Mondot was totally different than the 1983 and that showed immediately: the appearance was younger, darker and more concentrated, still cherry red in color, no brown showing yet. The scents here also performing better (although opinions were divided) with predominantly the aromas of cabernet: jammy dark fruit (cherries, black currant), nice oaky and roasted aromas, spices and cigar box. After a couple of hours I also noticed sweeter smells, a bit of white pepper and meaty notes with an odd dash of tomato concentrate.
On the palate this also was more spot on for me: very warm and generous and perfectly in sync with its age. With tannins soft as fluffy clouds, lots of warmth from the alcohol and enough nice acidity to keep it from getting too old or worn I really liked this one. It’s perhaps not a typical St.Emilion, but very accessible and rewarding if you take into account it’s quite affordable compared to 89 or 90.
