Le Coin du Sommelier: The Four Iconic Wines Handpicked by Eden Gnean

When it comes to curating a cellar that resonates with both sophistication and soul, few possess the refined palate and unwavering passion of Eden Gnean, the distinguished General Manager of Topaz Restaurant in Phnom Penh.

In a world where every bottle tells a story, Gnean’s choices stand as a testament to the rare art of genuine connoisseurship. Today, we savor four of his finest selections—a quartet that captures the very essence of vinous mastery

Mondot by Troplong Mondot 2021

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Tasted blind, Mondot’s youthful gait immediately betrays its eminent pedigree. The 2021 vintage, a year of patient craftsmanship amidst climatic uncertainty in Bordeaux, shimmers with the tension and beauty that define truly great Right Bank wines. Upon pouring, the aroma is discreet yet detailed: wild violets, ripe black cherries, and a whisper of crushed graphite.

Mondot by Troplong Mondot 2021

La bouche est magnifiquement équilibrée, ni ostentatoire ni austère, avec une texture soyeuse qui glisse sur la langue. Les fruits et les tanins fins dialoguent plutôt que de s'opposer, orchestrant une finale qui persiste avec une minéralité saline et une touche de boîte à cigares. C'est le pouls de Saint-Émilion capturé dans une bouteille, élégant sans ostentation, et un compagnon harmonieux pour les mets les plus raffinés.

Opus One

Napa Valley Red Wine

Few bottles elicit as much reverence as Opus One. Born of the historic partnership between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, this wine has become an emblem of trans-Atlantic greatness. In the glass, its robe is regal, nearly opaque, reflecting the sun-drenched gravitas of Oakville. Aromas unfurl: blackcurrant preserves, graphite, dark chocolate, and a haunting chorus of dried roses.

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