Mondot de Chateau Troplong Mondot 2018

VM90-93: The 2018 Mondot, 100% Merlot, is a fabulous second wine. Rich and luscious to the core, the 2018 is brisk and vibrant, with remarkable nuance and tons of saline-infused energy. Floral and spice notes add perfume to red cherry/plum fruit. Half of the wine comes from Troplong Mondot itself and the other half is sourced from two adjacent parcels that may in time be incorporated into the estate. Look for Mondot to be one of the stars among Bordeaux's more affordable 2018s. Readers should note that Mondot is sold only as a finished wine and not en primeur. More than anything else, in 2018 Mondot is flat-out delicious.