Château Troplong Mondot sits at the top of Mondot, the escarpment to the east of Saint Emilion which gives magnificent views over the vineyards and the Dordogne, neighbouring Château Pavie (which was once part of the estate). Troplong Mondot is one of the biggest and most famous of the Saint Emilion Grand Crus. The impressive château dates back to 1745 and was built by the Abbé de Séze and gained the name Troplong from Raymond Troplong, a previous owner, who was a former president of the French Senate. The vineyards of Château Troplong Mondot cover 74 acres and lie on limestone and clay with patches of flint and some of the vines are over 90 years old. The grapes grown are 80% Merlot, 105 Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Troplong Mondot's wines are full bodied, fruit driven and a bluish purple colour. They have notes of blackcurrant, coffee, earth, vanilla, pepper and plum. They are rich, dense, well structured and classic wines which age gracefully and should be cellared.