Troplong Mondot 2009 150cl

It boasts an inky/purple color along with a gorgeous bouquet of mocha, chocolate, blackberry and cassis fruit, an unctuous texture, a full-bodied, viscous mouthfeel and a skyscraper-like, multilayered finish. This spectacular wine is nearly overwhelming in its richness, thickness and intensity. Once all its baby fat falls away, the terroir characteristics and additional nuances will emerge. This blockbuster, fabulous Troplong Mondot will benefit from 10-15 years of cellaring and keep for three decades or more. It is not shy either, bouncing over the palate with 15.5% natural alcohol. The 2009 Troplong Mondot will provide plenty of competition for the 2010, 2005 and 2000. It comes closest in style to the prodigious 1990 that proprietress Christine Valette produced 22 years ago. A phenomenal effort, it unquestionably justifies its relatively new Premier Grand Cru St.-Emilion status. Readers should keep in mind that the 1990, which probably has lower acidity and not the level of concentration found in the 2009, is drinking incredibly well at age 22 and reveals no signs of falling apart.

A wine, with a lovely velvety tannin structure with dark berries and espresso. Full body. Chewy, yet soft and caressing. Very long finish. Concentrated yet balanced. Try after 2020.

90 % Merlot, 5 % Cabernet Franc, 5 % Cabernet Sauvignon. Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Zeigt ein reifes, zu Kopf steigendes Amarenabouquet, aber es schwingt auch etwas Grünwürziges drin mit, Tabaknoten, viel reife Frucht und frisch gerösteter Kaffee. Viel Rückhalt im massiven Extrakt, mehr Kraft und Fleisch als Charme. Ein Bolide mit Charakter. warten (2016 - 2026)

Very dark, with strong pastis-soaked blackberry and roasted plum notes leading the way, with layers of sweet spice, mocha and tobacco filling in on the finish. Rather lush and perhaps a touch too roasted in style for some folks, with enough just grip to keep it going. Best from 2013 through 2024. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 6,288 cases made. –JM