Chateau Troplong Mondot St. Emilion Bordeaux, Complete Guide

troplong mondot chateau

Learn everything about Chateau Troplong Mondot St. Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classe B with wine tasting, and wine with food pairing tips. Learn all the best vintages, the history of the property, and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Troplong Mondot History, Overview

Chateau Troplong Mondot has a long and colorful history in Saint Emilion that dates back to the 17th century. In those days, what we know as Troplong Mondot was the property of Abbe Raymond de Seze. It was de Seze who created the beautiful chateau that remains at Troplong Mondot today.

When the chateau was being constructed in 1745, the de Seze family was already established in the Bordeaux wine community. In fact, they owned several different properties in St. Emilion in those days.

Jumping ahead about 100 years, the namesake of the estate purchased vineyards. In 1850, Raymond Troplong became the owner of this Right Bank estate. Following the custom of the time, the new owner, Troplong combined the name of the land with his last name and came up with Troplong Mondot.

During his tenure at Troplong Mondot, he increased the size of their vineyard until it reached the exact size it remains today. Eventually, the estate was sold to the well-known negociant, Georges Thienpont from Belgium.

Three years later, Georges Thienpont purchased another property, Vieux Chateau Certan in the neighboring appellation of Pomerol. Needing money after obtaining Vieux Chateau Certan, in 1936, Thienpont was forced to sell Troplong Mondot.

The property at that time passed into the hands of Alexander Valette. Like Georges Thienpont, Alexander Valette was a well known Bordeaux negociant. Chateau Troplong Mondot remained a family-owned property from 1936, until 2017.

Chateau Troplong Mondot The Modern Age

Christine Valette began to manage the property starting in 1980. Running Chateau Troplong Mondot has always been a family affair. Once Christine Valette took over the management of Chateau Troplong Mondot, things quickly changed for the better.

They stopped harvesting by machine and started picking by hand. They began picking later and reduced the yields to increase the concentration of the wine. The remaining Malbec vines were removed. To further reduce yields, they changed from single to double Guyot pruning.

In the cellars, they focused on sorting, added temperature control to the vats, and increased the percentage of new, French oak barrels to age the wine. They also created a second wine, Mondot, which made its debut in 1985.

The next change was in the vinification, when 11 new, stainless steel vats were added, making Troplong Mondot one of the first estates in the area to vinify on a parcel by parcel basis. All these changes began to show in the increased quality of Chateau Troplong Mondot, which quickly became known as one of the top wines in the Right Bank.

Christine Valette also hired Michel Rolland. Things changed again when Jean-Philippe Fort began to consult the estate in 2000. They changed consultants again with the 2017 vintage when they brought in Thomas Duclos as the consultant.

The first vintage that really stood out for Troplong Mondot was 1989, which was followed by the stunning and exotic, 1990 Troplong Mondot. The decade of the 1990s was mixed for Chateau Troplong Mondot, with 1998 standing out as the best wine of the decade.

Things once again changed for the better with the 2000 Troplong Mondot. From that point forward, the chateau could do no wrong. Vintage after vintage produced great wines. 2005, 2009, and 2010 are all remarkable wines that were overseen by Christine Valette and Xavier Pariente.

Sadly, on March 28, 2014, Christine Valette passed away. Christine Valette Remembered.

Chateau Troplong Mondot was been ably managed by Xavier Pariente who has been involved with the estate since 2002. In July 2017, Chateau Troplong Mondot was sold to the French Insurance Company, SCOR for the then record-setting price of 7 Million Euros per hectare.

Starting in 2017, shortly after the purchase, the new owners began construction of new cellars. The project should be completed by 2020. In 2018, Troplong Mondot brought in Aymeric de Gironde as the director and terminated the consulting services of Jean Philippe Forts. The new owners also purchased additional vineyard land from neighboring estates Chateau Bellisle Mondotte and Clos La Barde.

Starting with the 2017 vintage, the style of Troplong Mondot went through a complete change. The estate began harvesting earlier, reducing the amount of new oak, and vinification techniques were also modified.

The wine is now fresher, less concentrated, and offers more of a classic profile. You find more limestone than clay terroir in the wine.

Chateau Troplong Mondot Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 37-hectare vineyard of Troplong Mondot is planted to 73% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon. Troplong Mondot occupies great terroir situated on top of the Saint Emilion plateau and slopes, at an elevation that allows views of the entire St. Emilion village.

26.5 hectares of the vineyard are currently classified with First Growth status. The newly added 10.5 hectares of vines came from the purchase of Clos Labarde and Belisse Mondotte.

The elevation at the highest point reaches over 100 meters at the top of the plateau, which is the highest point in the entire Saint Emilion appellation.

The terroir consists of deep limestone deposits under layers of thick clay soil. There are also sedimentary fragments of flint and limestone in the soil. You find the rocks, flint, and stones centered in the vineyard. The remainder of the terroir is richer in clay and limestone. Since 1988, the plantings at Troplong Mondot have changed, slowly, but surely.

According to Christine Valette, 1989, was the year that Troplong Mondot produced its first great Bordeaux wine of the modern era. In 1989, the final blend was 65% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec.

That wine could not be made today, as the vineyards are planted differently. The Malbec has been removed and the Merlot has been increased.

During the replanting, new rootstocks were used, which assist in low yields. The average age of the vines is about 30 years. But there are old vines that are close to 100 years old, located near the barrel room at the top of the slopes. Their oldest vines were planted in 1926. They also have other old vines planted in 1947 and 1948.

Over the years, the cellars have enjoyed extensive modernization. The vineyard has been restructured and today, 33% of the vines are farmed using organic farming techniques including the use of horses.

Starting in 2007 Chateau Troplong Mondot began a complete renovation of its wine-making facilities. The new wine-making facilities for Chateau Troplong Mondot included the addition of 11, truncated, stainless steel vats that range in size from 83 hectoliters to 99 hectoliters.

By 2020, those larger vats were replaced with 40 stainless steel, conical-shaped vats that allow for more work on a parcel by parcel basis.

Chateau Troplong Mondot Winemaking

To produce the wine of Troplong Mondot, vinification takes place in new, temperature-controlled, truncated, stainless steel vats starting with the 2017 vintage. From 2009 through 2016, 15% to 20% of their wine was vinified in 600-liter barrels for the cold maceration and alcoholic fermentation.

Malolactic fermentation for some of the wine started taking place in vats beginning with the 2017 vintage. By 2019, 100% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation in vats. The wine is now aged in on average, 65% new, French oak barrels for 16 to 24 months, but this can vary, depending on the strength and character of the vintage. The property produces about 10,000 cases a year on average of Troplong Mondot. The estate also makes a second wine, Mondot.

Jean Pierre Taleyson is their long-time cellarmaster. In 2006 Chateau Troplong Mondot was awarded its well-deserved promotion to Premier Grand Cru Classé B status, which was upheld in the recent 2012 St. Emilion classification.

Due to their unique, cooler terroir on the top of the slopes, with large deposits of clay, Troplong Mondot is often one of the last St. Emilion vineyards to be harvested.

The best vintages of Chateau Troplong Mondot are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2005, 2000, 1998, 1990 and 1989. Older vintages have not fared well.

Chateau Troplong Mondot Character and Style

Chateau Troplong Mondot offers a unique style. It’s thick and rich in the mouth, but never heavy. The sensuous wine offers scents of dark plums, licorice, blackberries, coffee, spice, dark cherries, stone, chocolate, flowers, and blackberry liqueur. More sensuous than elegant on the palate, there is an intensity of flavors, coupled with the ability to age and evolve.

When to Drink Chateau Troplong Mondot, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Troplong Mondot needs time in the cellar and decanting to show its best. On average the wine needs a minimum of 8-10 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage.

Chateau Troplong Mondot is best enjoyed in the first 10-35 years of life. Young vintages of Troplong Mondot can be decanted for 2-3 hours which allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Serving Chateau Troplong Mondot with Wine and Food Pairing Tips

Chateau Troplong Mondot is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Chateau Troplong Mondot is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau Troplong Mondot is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

If you want to enjoy life in the wine country of Bordeaux, in 2010, Chateau Troplong Mondot opened a bed and breakfast inn, right on the property! “Les Belles Perdrix” (The Beautiful Partridges) is located in the heart of St. Emilion, on a hill overlooking the picturesque village of St. Emilion. There are three different, beautiful rooms to choose from.

More than bed and breakfast, if you desire, the chateau recently hired a fabulous French chef that works with fresh, local products. Of course, guests will also receive special VIP tours and tastings at Chateau Troplong Mondot as well! In 2012, Chateau Troplong Mondot also opened a restaurant on the estate with a beautiful, outdoor patio that offers one of the most stunning views in all of Saint Emilion.

As a special tip for you, the restaurant has made a real effort and boosted the number of wines on their wine list so that now, they have one of the best wine lists in St. Emilion with wines from Bordeaux, the Rhone Valley, and other wine regions. Belles Perdrix was closed for 2018 as it underwent a complete renovation.

www.chateau-troplong-mondot.com

Château Troplong Mondot Wine Tasting Notes

34 Vintages 822,774 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
98
Deeply colored, the wine is rich, deep, full-bodied, concentrated, and intense The depth of flavor, the fullness on the palate, and the silky, lush, creamy textures come across as gentle, vibrant, and elegant, with a lot of depth and width. The lingering finish displays sweet, red, and black fruits, a salted, orange citrus tone, and a beautiful chalky character on the backend. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc. 14.9% ABV, 3.48 pH. Harvesting started August 29 - September 26. Drink from 2027-2060. 97-99 Pts.

Deeply colored, the wine is rich, deep, full-bodied, concentrated, and intense The depth of flavor, the fullness on the palate, and the silky, lush, creamy textures come across as gentle, vibrant, and elegant, with a lot of depth and width. The lingering finish displays sweet, red, and black fruits, a salted, orange citrus tone, and a beautiful chalky character on the backend. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc. 14.9% ABV, 3.48 pH. Harvesting started August 29 - September 26. Drink from 2027-2060. 97-99 Pts.

11,610 Views   Tasted
2021
95
Medium-bodied, vibrant, crisp, and focused on its mineral essences, the wine is upbeat with freshness, energy, lift, and precision. The red fruits are expressive, clean, and salty with accents of smoke, mint, spice, flowers, and espresso. This is a finesse driven wine that is going to show well on release. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2025-2050.

Medium-bodied, vibrant, crisp, and focused on its mineral essences, the wine is upbeat with freshness, energy, lift, and precision. The red fruits are expressive, clean, and salty with accents of smoke, mint, spice, flowers, and espresso. This is a finesse driven wine that is going to show well on release. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2025-2050.

357 Views   Tasted
Deeply colored, the wine is rich, round, lush and fresh. Initially you notice, flowers, chocolate, truffle, espresso, cocoa, and black plums. There is a silkiness to the tannins, sweetness along with freshness on the palate, and a finish with black, blue and dark red fruits with a strong touch of chalk in the finish. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% ABV%, 3.44 pH. The harvest took place September 17 - October 19. The harvest date here was the key to the success of the wine here. Drink from 2025-2055. 94-96

Deeply colored, the wine is rich, round, lush and fresh. Initially you notice, flowers, chocolate, truffle, espresso, cocoa, and black plums. There is a silkiness to the tannins, sweetness along with freshness on the palate, and a finish with black, blue and dark red fruits with a strong touch of chalk in the finish. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% ABV%, 3.44 pH. The harvest took place September 17 - October 19. The harvest date here was the key to the success of the wine here. Drink from 2025-2055. 94-96

4,172 Views   Tasted
2021
90
Licorice, cocoa, and black cherries and a touch of chocolate on the backend. Forward, soft, polished, round and loaded with crunchy, sweet fruits, the wine already delivers pleasure. The wine is produced from 100% Merlot which comes from a specific parcel selection. Drink from 2023-2032. 89-91

Licorice, cocoa, and black cherries and a touch of chocolate on the backend. Forward, soft, polished, round and loaded with crunchy, sweet fruits, the wine already delivers pleasure. The wine is produced from 100% Merlot which comes from a specific parcel selection. Drink from 2023-2032. 89-91

1,821 Views   Tasted
2020
97
Flowers, cherries, plums, licorice and an array of spices greet your nose. The wine is rich, full-bodied, concentrated, seductive and packed from start to finish with layers of crushed rocks, licorice, blackberries, currants and cocoa, ending with light touches of chalk, along with sweet red and black pit fruits that build as they linger. Similar to what I found with the barrel sample, even with all its richness, the wine remains light on its feet with its strong sense of minerality and lift. Drink from 2027-2055.

Flowers, cherries, plums, licorice and an array of spices greet your nose. The wine is rich, full-bodied, concentrated, seductive and packed from start to finish with layers of crushed rocks, licorice, blackberries, currants and cocoa, ending with light touches of chalk, along with sweet red and black pit fruits that build as they linger. Similar to what I found with the barrel sample, even with all its richness, the wine remains light on its feet with its strong sense of minerality and lift. Drink from 2027-2055.

7,118 Views   Tasted
Inky dark in color with purple around the edges, the wine jumps out of the glass with its complex nose of plum liqueur, flowers, licorice, caramel, cappuccino, herbs and earth. Full-bodied, seductive, concentrated and powerful, yet even with all its richness, the wine remains light on its feet. The strong sense of minerality accompanying the fruit in the end note adds complexity. There is lift, length and purity from start to finish making you want to go back for sip and sip. 96-98 Pts

Inky dark in color with purple around the edges, the wine jumps out of the glass with its complex nose of plum liqueur, flowers, licorice, caramel, cappuccino, herbs and earth. Full-bodied, seductive, concentrated and powerful, yet even with all its richness, the wine remains light on its feet. The strong sense of minerality accompanying the fruit in the end note adds complexity. There is lift, length and purity from start to finish making you want to go back for sip and sip. 96-98 Pts

8,692 Views   Tasted
2019
97
While it is the intensity of the floral bouquet you find at first, it doesn't take any time before discovering its nuances of licorice, black and red plums, dark cherries, cocoa, and box of cooking spices. Full-bodied, deep, and concentrated, with a vivid character to the fruit, silky tannins, and a finish that displays its chalky edge to the layers of sweet, ripe fruits that linger. Drink from 2026-2055.

While it is the intensity of the floral bouquet you find at first, it doesn't take any time before discovering its nuances of licorice, black and red plums, dark cherries, cocoa, and box of cooking spices. Full-bodied, deep, and concentrated, with a vivid character to the fruit, silky tannins, and a finish that displays its chalky edge to the layers of sweet, ripe fruits that linger. Drink from 2026-2055.

6,644 Views   Tasted
2018
97
Concentrated, full-bodied, deep and opulently textured, there is a beautiful sense of elegance and balance here. There is richness, power but also symmetry. The purity in the fruit, along with its freshness stand out as one of the keynotes of its character. This should age and evolve for 3 decades, and be drinking perfectly after a decade of aging. The wine was produced from a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc.

Concentrated, full-bodied, deep and opulently textured, there is a beautiful sense of elegance and balance here. There is richness, power but also symmetry. The purity in the fruit, along with its freshness stand out as one of the keynotes of its character. This should age and evolve for 3 decades, and be drinking perfectly after a decade of aging. The wine was produced from a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc.

4,049 Views   Tasted
Full-bodied, lush, ripe and rich, the wine is concentrated as well as refined. The purity in the fruit stands out as one of the key points in its character. There is a richness and vivacity to the wine that works on the palate and in the luscious, silky finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, reaching 14.5% ABV. The harvest took place September 7 to October 9. Yields were 49 hectoliters per hectare and the wine is aging in 60% new, French oak. Interestingly, Troplong Mondot now makes the final blend in January -- after the vintage. 96-98 Pts

Full-bodied, lush, ripe and rich, the wine is concentrated as well as refined. The purity in the fruit stands out as one of the key points in its character. There is a richness and vivacity to the wine that works on the palate and in the luscious, silky finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, reaching 14.5% ABV. The harvest took place September 7 to October 9. Yields were 49 hectoliters per hectare and the wine is aging in 60% new, French oak. Interestingly, Troplong Mondot now makes the final blend in January -- after the vintage. 96-98 Pts

5,494 Views   Tasted
2018
88
Medium bodied, fresh, bright, forward and fruity, this is quite nice for early drinking while waiting for Troplong Mondot to mature. The wine is made from 100% Merlot. 87-89 Pts

Medium bodied, fresh, bright, forward and fruity, this is quite nice for early drinking while waiting for Troplong Mondot to mature. The wine is made from 100% Merlot. 87-89 Pts

3,568 Views   Tasted
2017
95
Licorice, smoke, black cherry, plum and crushed rocks create the nose. On the palate, the wine is full bodied, sweetly authentic and luxuriously textured. There is more virtue in the fruit but less density and lower ABV than in previous vintages. The wine shows more influence from the limestone, instead of the clay. This dramatic change in style is a matter of choice by the new director, Aymeric de Gironde who is seeking more aromatic complexity and balance over power and ripeness in the wine. The wine was produced from a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, reaching 14.2% ABV. The harvest took place September 18, finishing September 27.

Licorice, smoke, black cherry, plum and crushed rocks create the nose. On the palate, the wine is full bodied, sweetly authentic and luxuriously textured. There is more virtue in the fruit but less density and lower ABV than in previous vintages. The wine shows more influence from the limestone, instead of the clay. This dramatic change in style is a matter of choice by the new director, Aymeric de Gironde who is seeking more aromatic complexity and balance over power and ripeness in the wine. The wine was produced from a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, reaching 14.2% ABV. The harvest took place September 18, finishing September 27.

4,437 Views   Tasted
2016
97
The inky hue in the wine clearly matches up with the level of concentration in the ripe, dark berries. Add in liberal doses of black licorice, smoke, espresso, chocolate and boysenberry, and you have the core of the wine. Powerful, full, rich and with real depth of flavor, give this 10-12 years before popping a cork.

The inky hue in the wine clearly matches up with the level of concentration in the ripe, dark berries. Add in liberal doses of black licorice, smoke, espresso, chocolate and boysenberry, and you have the core of the wine. Powerful, full, rich and with real depth of flavor, give this 10-12 years before popping a cork.

4,119 Views   Tasted
The inky, dark color shows dark purple accents in its sheen. On the palate, the wine is rich, hedonistic, unctuous, and mouth-coating. The fruit is ripe, dense and intense with layers of black cherry, jammy, sweet plums, hints of fig, licorice, smoke and dark chocolate that offers its charms for over 40 seconds. This is not a shy wine, and thus, it needs at least a decade to settle down and start strutting its stuff. It is also the vintage made in the style preferred by the previous owner, Christine Valette.

The inky, dark color shows dark purple accents in its sheen. On the palate, the wine is rich, hedonistic, unctuous, and mouth-coating. The fruit is ripe, dense and intense with layers of black cherry, jammy, sweet plums, hints of fig, licorice, smoke and dark chocolate that offers its charms for over 40 seconds. This is not a shy wine, and thus, it needs at least a decade to settle down and start strutting its stuff. It is also the vintage made in the style preferred by the previous owner, Christine Valette.

2,938 Views   Tasted
Inky in color, the wine opens with smoke, espresso, dark chocolate covered plums, cherries and wet earth, Lush in texture, opulent in character, the non-stop, unctuous finish serves up layers of ripe, black fruits and licorice. This is the last vintage produced by the Valette family and the last in the rich style we have become accustomed to. Things changed radically in subsequent vintages.

Inky in color, the wine opens with smoke, espresso, dark chocolate covered plums, cherries and wet earth, Lush in texture, opulent in character, the non-stop, unctuous finish serves up layers of ripe, black fruits and licorice. This is the last vintage produced by the Valette family and the last in the rich style we have become accustomed to. Things changed radically in subsequent vintages.

3,686 Views   Tasted
Commanding, powerful, dark and intense, this wine is unfathomably deep, concentrated and juicy. While sizeable, there is a loveliness in the purity of the fruit and no heaviness on the palate. Instead, it’s balanced and harmonious. The velvet textured, opulent finish offers chocolate-covered plums and blackberry with licorice and a beautiful, multifaceted earthy character. This will take some time to come around. The wine was made using 89% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, reaching 15% ABV. The harvest took place October 3 through October 27.

Commanding, powerful, dark and intense, this wine is unfathomably deep, concentrated and juicy. While sizeable, there is a loveliness in the purity of the fruit and no heaviness on the palate. Instead, it’s balanced and harmonious. The velvet textured, opulent finish offers chocolate-covered plums and blackberry with licorice and a beautiful, multifaceted earthy character. This will take some time to come around. The wine was made using 89% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, reaching 15% ABV. The harvest took place October 3 through October 27.

4,317 Views   Tasted
2015
99
If sexy, sensuous textures, a wall of ripe and very ripe fruit, truffle, licorice, black and blue fruits with chocolate that are delivered with palate staining intensity is your thing, you need this wine!

If sexy, sensuous textures, a wall of ripe and very ripe fruit, truffle, licorice, black and blue fruits with chocolate that are delivered with palate staining intensity is your thing, you need this wine!

9,143 Views   Tasted
With a beautiful, inky hue, this wine explodes with smoke, blackberry liqueur, dark chocolate, truffle and cherry blossoms on the nose. Liquid silk does not begin to describe the texture, but it's close. If that does not work, molten velvet is my next stab at describing this wine. Powerfully concentrated with density and opulent textures that really bring this to a new level. For my delicate friends across the pond, do not let this scare you off. Everything is in balance. But be prepared for a grand carnival of true self-indulgence. Produced from a blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 15.5% ABV. The harvest took place September 30 through October 21.

With a beautiful, inky hue, this wine explodes with smoke, blackberry liqueur, dark chocolate, truffle and cherry blossoms on the nose. Liquid silk does not begin to describe the texture, but it's close. If that does not work, molten velvet is my next stab at describing this wine. Powerfully concentrated with density and opulent textures that really bring this to a new level. For my delicate friends across the pond, do not let this scare you off. Everything is in balance. But be prepared for a grand carnival of true self-indulgence. Produced from a blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 15.5% ABV. The harvest took place September 30 through October 21.

11,251 Views   Tasted
2014
95
Deep in color, the wine is round, concentrated and loaded with dark chocolate covered cherries and plums, smoke, licorice and truffle. With depth of flavor, intensity and richness, this is a full bodied effort that will reward a decade in the cellar, before everything really comes together here.

Deep in color, the wine is round, concentrated and loaded with dark chocolate covered cherries and plums, smoke, licorice and truffle. With depth of flavor, intensity and richness, this is a full bodied effort that will reward a decade in the cellar, before everything really comes together here.

5,999 Views   Tasted
Licorice, dark chocolate, coconut, smoke and black cherry liqueur pack the nose, making this is no wallflower of a wine. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied, rich, lusty and eager to show off its dusty, sweet, fruit-filled finish. There is a touch of heat in the endnote but there is so much fruit that the warmth is barely noticeable. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, reaching 14.5% ABV with a pH of 3.65. 94-95 Pts

Licorice, dark chocolate, coconut, smoke and black cherry liqueur pack the nose, making this is no wallflower of a wine. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied, rich, lusty and eager to show off its dusty, sweet, fruit-filled finish. There is a touch of heat in the endnote but there is so much fruit that the warmth is barely noticeable. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, reaching 14.5% ABV with a pH of 3.65. 94-95 Pts

7,542 Views   Tasted
2013
92
One of the better wines of this difficult vintage, popped and poured, the wine is round, soft and delivers its medium-bodied, licorice, espresso, black cherry and earthy nose and palate presence with ease. No decanting needed, just pop, pour and enjoy.

One of the better wines of this difficult vintage, popped and poured, the wine is round, soft and delivers its medium-bodied, licorice, espresso, black cherry and earthy nose and palate presence with ease. No decanting needed, just pop, pour and enjoy.

3,470 Views   Tasted
It takes about 45 minutes of air for the wine to soften, fill out and offer its, dark, but distinctly, red berry, thyme and espresso notes. Slowly but surely, green notes begin to intrude on the finish. This is a vintage to be enjoyed young. I'd opt for drinking this over the next 2-5 years.

It takes about 45 minutes of air for the wine to soften, fill out and offer its, dark, but distinctly, red berry, thyme and espresso notes. Slowly but surely, green notes begin to intrude on the finish. This is a vintage to be enjoyed young. I'd opt for drinking this over the next 2-5 years.

4,562 Views   Tasted
The earthy, licorice, black cherry, chocolate and cocoa nose really stand out. There is a lushness to the fruit and roundness to the tannins in this difficult vintage that really stand out. Forward in style, the polished wine should drink well on release. The last vintage produced with Christine Valette is a nice tribute to her efforts and resilience

The earthy, licorice, black cherry, chocolate and cocoa nose really stand out. There is a lushness to the fruit and roundness to the tannins in this difficult vintage that really stand out. Forward in style, the polished wine should drink well on release. The last vintage produced with Christine Valette is a nice tribute to her efforts and resilience

4,199 Views   Tasted
The last vintage for Christine Valette and the first vintage I have ever tasted without her being present. Christine passed away at the start of the 2013 tastings. Deep in color, with a boysenberry, chocolate, licorice and earthy nose, the wine is fleshy with a polished and mineral-driven personality of black plum, licorice and chocolate-covered boysenberry personality. From a blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.7% ABV, with a PH of 3.45, which will please all the tasters that have complained about high ABV levels. The wine delivers a fond farewell and is worth a 100 Pts in memory for all the great vintages from Christine Valette. 92-93 Pts

The last vintage for Christine Valette and the first vintage I have ever tasted without her being present. Christine passed away at the start of the 2013 tastings. Deep in color, with a boysenberry, chocolate, licorice and earthy nose, the wine is fleshy with a polished and mineral-driven personality of black plum, licorice and chocolate-covered boysenberry personality. From a blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.7% ABV, with a PH of 3.45, which will please all the tasters that have complained about high ABV levels. The wine delivers a fond farewell and is worth a 100 Pts in memory for all the great vintages from Christine Valette. 92-93 Pts

4,749 Views   Tasted
2012
94
Already starting to show truffle, tobacco, licorice and chocolate character, the wine is lively, fresh, and filled with ripe fruits. Still quite young, this is the best priced vintage on the market for Troplong Mondot today. If you are seeking a bottle to try, this is the vintage to seek out.

Already starting to show truffle, tobacco, licorice and chocolate character, the wine is lively, fresh, and filled with ripe fruits. Still quite young, this is the best priced vintage on the market for Troplong Mondot today. If you are seeking a bottle to try, this is the vintage to seek out.

5,743 Views   Tasted
This would be an outstanding wine in any vintage, but in 2012, it’s quite an accomplishment to produce a wine with this much richness, layers of sweet, supple, sensuous ripe fruits and silky, velvety tannins. The hedonistic finish really carries through with waves of perfectly ripe, dark berries and chocolate. This showed great as a barrel sample and it was even better when tasted in bottle, which is always a good sign for future development.

This would be an outstanding wine in any vintage, but in 2012, it’s quite an accomplishment to produce a wine with this much richness, layers of sweet, supple, sensuous ripe fruits and silky, velvety tannins. The hedonistic finish really carries through with waves of perfectly ripe, dark berries and chocolate. This showed great as a barrel sample and it was even better when tasted in bottle, which is always a good sign for future development.

5,717 Views   Tasted
From a blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, the wine will come in at close to 14.5% ABV. Dark in color with licorice, jam, earth, dark chocolate, coffee and smoke aromas open to a silky, plush, polished, rich-textured wine filled with sweet, jammy blackberries, dark chocolate and black raspberry. Thick, lush and rich, this is a wine for hedonists. 93-95 Pts

From a blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, the wine will come in at close to 14.5% ABV. Dark in color with licorice, jam, earth, dark chocolate, coffee and smoke aromas open to a silky, plush, polished, rich-textured wine filled with sweet, jammy blackberries, dark chocolate and black raspberry. Thick, lush and rich, this is a wine for hedonists. 93-95 Pts

9,534 Views   Tasted
2011
92
One of the top Right Bank wines of the vntage. The earthy, licorice filled, truffle, black cherry, espressi and smoke is a treat. This is one of the more concentrated wines of the vintage, finishing with fleshy, flashy, cocoa dusted black cherries.

One of the top Right Bank wines of the vntage. The earthy, licorice filled, truffle, black cherry, espressi and smoke is a treat. This is one of the more concentrated wines of the vintage, finishing with fleshy, flashy, cocoa dusted black cherries.

3,112 Views   Tasted
Blending 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached approximately 14.5% ABV. From yields of 41 hectoliters per hectare, the wine is aged in 85% new oak. Inky in color with blue/purple color in the rim, the wine is plush, rich, round and polished with chocolate-covered boysenberry, caramel, earth, coffee and plummy scents. Filled with sweet, ripe, fresh bitter chocolate and cherries, there is length, purity and polish. 94-96 Pts

Blending 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached approximately 14.5% ABV. From yields of 41 hectoliters per hectare, the wine is aged in 85% new oak. Inky in color with blue/purple color in the rim, the wine is plush, rich, round and polished with chocolate-covered boysenberry, caramel, earth, coffee and plummy scents. Filled with sweet, ripe, fresh bitter chocolate and cherries, there is length, purity and polish. 94-96 Pts

4,171 Views   Tasted
2010
98
Palate coating richness, luscious black plums, cherries, dark chocolate, licorice, espresso and hints of blue fruit get all over your mouth, palate, teeth and gums. The wine is pure velvet in texture with layers of opulent fruits and a finish that sticks. Decadent in character, this is only about potential today. But with more cellaring, if this is your thing, the wine is a beauty.

Palate coating richness, luscious black plums, cherries, dark chocolate, licorice, espresso and hints of blue fruit get all over your mouth, palate, teeth and gums. The wine is pure velvet in texture with layers of opulent fruits and a finish that sticks. Decadent in character, this is only about potential today. But with more cellaring, if this is your thing, the wine is a beauty.

6,331 Views   Tasted
Deep dark in color, pungent aromas of licorice, black cherry, boysenberry, cocoa, truffle, spice create the intoxicating perfume. The powerful, rich concentrated wine is sweet, lush, opulent and utterly, mouth filling. With about 4 hours of decanting, the wine fleshed out, softened and offered a decadent, memorable tasting experience. This is truly a wine for hedonists and pleasure seekers!

Deep dark in color, pungent aromas of licorice, black cherry, boysenberry, cocoa, truffle, spice create the intoxicating perfume. The powerful, rich concentrated wine is sweet, lush, opulent and utterly, mouth filling. With about 4 hours of decanting, the wine fleshed out, softened and offered a decadent, memorable tasting experience. This is truly a wine for hedonists and pleasure seekers!

10,358 Views   Tasted
Incense, jammy dark berries, spice, truffle and fresh brewed espresso notes open to silk and velvet textures, lush tannins, opulent, sexy textures and layer after layer of sweet, sexy, voluptuous chocolate covered berries and black cherries. Why this wine is controversial is beyond me. Different strokes for different folks. I loved it from barrel and like it even more from bottle. Christine Valette from time to time prefers the 2010 over the 2005 or even the 1990. I am not sure I agree. But I am happy to own the wine and look forward to tasting it over the years.

Incense, jammy dark berries, spice, truffle and fresh brewed espresso notes open to silk and velvet textures, lush tannins, opulent, sexy textures and layer after layer of sweet, sexy, voluptuous chocolate covered berries and black cherries. Why this wine is controversial is beyond me. Different strokes for different folks. I loved it from barrel and like it even more from bottle. Christine Valette from time to time prefers the 2010 over the 2005 or even the 1990. I am not sure I agree. But I am happy to own the wine and look forward to tasting it over the years.

8,385 Views   Tasted
From an assemblage of 83% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, the wine is inky in color with notes of espresso bean, blueberry, licorice, chocolate, smoke, black cherry and plum liqueur. Thick, intense, tannic, polished, rich and powerful, this wine fills your mouth and coats your palate with multiple waves of sensuously textured fruits, licorice and chocolate. Could this end of the decade wine be the finest vintage of Chateau Troplong Mondot produced yet? It has some stiff competition with 2009, 2005 and 1990. Regardless of where it fits in, this is a great wine that belongs in any Troplong Mondot lovers cellar!

From an assemblage of 83% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, the wine is inky in color with notes of espresso bean, blueberry, licorice, chocolate, smoke, black cherry and plum liqueur. Thick, intense, tannic, polished, rich and powerful, this wine fills your mouth and coats your palate with multiple waves of sensuously textured fruits, licorice and chocolate. Could this end of the decade wine be the finest vintage of Chateau Troplong Mondot produced yet? It has some stiff competition with 2009, 2005 and 1990. Regardless of where it fits in, this is a great wine that belongs in any Troplong Mondot lovers cellar!

6,978 Views   Tasted
Troplong Mondot has been slowly increasing the amount of Cabernet Sauvignon in the vineyards. 2010 is the first year featuring a substantial portion (14%) in the blend, along with 83% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Previous recent vintages have included about 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Currently, the vineyard is planted to 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal set to about 20%. The Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in clay soil, as it does not grow well in limestone. Yields were low in this vintage at 32 hectoliters per hectare, the same as in 2009. The wine reached 15.5% ABV. For people that like to compare, 2009 came in at 15.4% ABV. The pH is 3.6 is for the Merlot and 3.75 in Cabernet Sauvignon. Those low levels of pH allow the wine to feel fresh and offer lift. 2010 expresses more lift than 2009. . Midnight black in color, with a perfume filled with minerality, licorice, blueberry, blackberry, jam and clay, this dense, chocolate covered, sweet boysenberry filled wine packs a lot of wine into the bottle. Sensuous, palate staining, incredibly concentrated and rich, the wine coats your palate. The experience ends with a long bath of chocolate covered blackberries and black cherry liqueur that combine for a hedonistic treat. This decadent wine is one of the great vintages of Troplong Mondot. 97-98 Pts

Troplong Mondot has been slowly increasing the amount of Cabernet Sauvignon in the vineyards. 2010 is the first year featuring a substantial portion (14%) in the blend, along with 83% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Previous recent vintages have included about 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Currently, the vineyard is planted to 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the goal set to about 20%. The Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in clay soil, as it does not grow well in limestone. Yields were low in this vintage at 32 hectoliters per hectare, the same as in 2009. The wine reached 15.5% ABV. For people that like to compare, 2009 came in at 15.4% ABV. The pH is 3.6 is for the Merlot and 3.75 in Cabernet Sauvignon. Those low levels of pH allow the wine to feel fresh and offer lift. 2010 expresses more lift than 2009. . Midnight black in color, with a perfume filled with minerality, licorice, blueberry, blackberry, jam and clay, this dense, chocolate covered, sweet boysenberry filled wine packs a lot of wine into the bottle. Sensuous, palate staining, incredibly concentrated and rich, the wine coats your palate. The experience ends with a long bath of chocolate covered blackberries and black cherry liqueur that combine for a hedonistic treat. This decadent wine is one of the great vintages of Troplong Mondot. 97-98 Pts

8,908 Views   Tasted
2009
96
Full-bodied, ripe, lush, powerful and packed with multiple layers of sweet, black cherries, juicy plums, smoke, licorice, chocolate and hints of blue fruit on the nose. On the palate the wine is plush, opulent and palate-filling with a finish that clocks in at more than 40 seconds.

Full-bodied, ripe, lush, powerful and packed with multiple layers of sweet, black cherries, juicy plums, smoke, licorice, chocolate and hints of blue fruit on the nose. On the palate the wine is plush, opulent and palate-filling with a finish that clocks in at more than 40 seconds.

5,011 Views   Tasted
Still dark in color, the wine pops with its smoky, blackberry liqueur essence, licorice, dark chocolate and black cherry aromatics. Full-bodied, concentrated, long, lush and rich, this is no shy sister. It is a flamboyant, showy wine with layers of ripe, and overripe fruits that leave a long, rich and intense impression. Another few years in the cellar will add more complexities to the wine.

Still dark in color, the wine pops with its smoky, blackberry liqueur essence, licorice, dark chocolate and black cherry aromatics. Full-bodied, concentrated, long, lush and rich, this is no shy sister. It is a flamboyant, showy wine with layers of ripe, and overripe fruits that leave a long, rich and intense impression. Another few years in the cellar will add more complexities to the wine.

3,973 Views   Tasted
The wine reached 15.5% ABV and was aged in 100% new oak. There is no sensation of heat in the wine. The color of dark, purple ink, black cherry, blueberry, licorice, chocolate, smoke, truffle, earth and spicy aromas create a beautiful perfume. Full bodied, fat, rich, intense and palate coating, this sensuous, voluptuous, sexy wine leaves a beautiful sensation of sweet, fleshy, flashy, ripe berry liqueur and chocolate.

The wine reached 15.5% ABV and was aged in 100% new oak. There is no sensation of heat in the wine. The color of dark, purple ink, black cherry, blueberry, licorice, chocolate, smoke, truffle, earth and spicy aromas create a beautiful perfume. Full bodied, fat, rich, intense and palate coating, this sensuous, voluptuous, sexy wine leaves a beautiful sensation of sweet, fleshy, flashy, ripe berry liqueur and chocolate.

9,737 Views   Tasted
This deeply colored. St. Emilion offers enticing scents of licorice, fresh roasted espresso bean, plum, boysenberry, earth, spice and chocolate. Blending 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc, this is a lush, thick, rich, sexy, corpulent, low acid style of Bordeaux wine that finishes with layers of licorice, juicy plum, black cherry liqueur and cocoa.

This deeply colored. St. Emilion offers enticing scents of licorice, fresh roasted espresso bean, plum, boysenberry, earth, spice and chocolate. Blending 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc, this is a lush, thick, rich, sexy, corpulent, low acid style of Bordeaux wine that finishes with layers of licorice, juicy plum, black cherry liqueur and cocoa.

9,147 Views   Tasted
2009 Troplong Mondot, 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc, is opaque with purple tints. Aromas of jammy plums, licorice, coffee, minerals, caramel, and dark berries fill your nose. Full bodied and intense, this thick, dense, wine is stuffed with ripe dark berries, chocolate, licorice, and plums. Even at 15.4% ABV, the 2009 Troplong Mondot displays only a minor touch of heat in the palate. 94-96 Pts

2009 Troplong Mondot, 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc, is opaque with purple tints. Aromas of jammy plums, licorice, coffee, minerals, caramel, and dark berries fill your nose. Full bodied and intense, this thick, dense, wine is stuffed with ripe dark berries, chocolate, licorice, and plums. Even at 15.4% ABV, the 2009 Troplong Mondot displays only a minor touch of heat in the palate. 94-96 Pts

8,425 Views   Tasted
2008
93
With some of its youthful oak still needing to better integrate, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated, lush, round and mouthfilling. On the palate, the round textured, hedonistic wine delivers layers of licorice, smoke, dark chocolate, plum and earthy essences, along with cherry liqueur. You can pull a cork now, or wait another 4-6 years for more development.

With some of its youthful oak still needing to better integrate, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated, lush, round and mouthfilling. On the palate, the round textured, hedonistic wine delivers layers of licorice, smoke, dark chocolate, plum and earthy essences, along with cherry liqueur. You can pull a cork now, or wait another 4-6 years for more development.

5,171 Views   Tasted
This deep colored wine offers spicy chocolate, licorice, coffee, plum liqueur, smoke, minerality and jammy black cherry aromas. On the palate, this full bodied, concentrated, rich, tannic wine fills your mouth with fresh, tannic, deep, black cherry. The wine requires time to soften and develop nuances. Give it at least 5-8 years.

This deep colored wine offers spicy chocolate, licorice, coffee, plum liqueur, smoke, minerality and jammy black cherry aromas. On the palate, this full bodied, concentrated, rich, tannic wine fills your mouth with fresh, tannic, deep, black cherry. The wine requires time to soften and develop nuances. Give it at least 5-8 years.

10,629 Views   Tasted
Oak, black cherry, anise, flowers, spice and minerality greet your nose, This round, rich wine with soft textures ends with kirsch and fresh blackberry flavors. 2008 was the latest harvest in the history of the property. Due to their cool terroir, the extra time allowed the fruit to develop full ripeness.

Oak, black cherry, anise, flowers, spice and minerality greet your nose, This round, rich wine with soft textures ends with kirsch and fresh blackberry flavors. 2008 was the latest harvest in the history of the property. Due to their cool terroir, the extra time allowed the fruit to develop full ripeness.

13,677 Views   Tasted
2008 Troplong Mondot is the first vintage to officially celebrate their new, and well deserved upgrade in the St. Emilion classification to Premier Grand Cru on the label. This deeply colored wine has a complex perfume of black licorice, bitter dark chocolate, boysenberry, blueberry and juicy fresh plums. The wine fills your palate with luscious, opulent, dark fruit and hints of anise. 95 Pts

2008 Troplong Mondot is the first vintage to officially celebrate their new, and well deserved upgrade in the St. Emilion classification to Premier Grand Cru on the label. This deeply colored wine has a complex perfume of black licorice, bitter dark chocolate, boysenberry, blueberry and juicy fresh plums. The wine fills your palate with luscious, opulent, dark fruit and hints of anise. 95 Pts

12,578 Views   Tasted
08 Château Troplong Mondot. That the château did not conclude its harvest until November 1 is something for the record books. 2008 was also the debut vintage for their new cellars. For the first time the grapes went through 3 sortings, the final one done entirely by hand. The wine is dark ruby with inky tints. The nose shows ripe black fruit, licorice, flowers, spice, and toasty oak aromas. This full bodied, fleshy wine has a great mouth feel. Its long finish offers up black fruit coated with chocolate and licorice. 93-96 Pts

08 Château Troplong Mondot. That the château did not conclude its harvest until November 1 is something for the record books. 2008 was also the debut vintage for their new cellars. For the first time the grapes went through 3 sortings, the final one done entirely by hand. The wine is dark ruby with inky tints. The nose shows ripe black fruit, licorice, flowers, spice, and toasty oak aromas. This full bodied, fleshy wine has a great mouth feel. Its long finish offers up black fruit coated with chocolate and licorice. 93-96 Pts

12,108 Views   Tasted
2007
92
Ready for prime time drinking, the wine is showing all its soft, luscious fruit. The plums and cherries, are then coupled with tobacco, cigar box, spice and licorice. There is no reason to not pop a cork on this today.

Ready for prime time drinking, the wine is showing all its soft, luscious fruit. The plums and cherries, are then coupled with tobacco, cigar box, spice and licorice. There is no reason to not pop a cork on this today.

4,055 Views   Tasted
Ready for prime time drinking, the wine is showing all its soft, luscious fruit, plums and cherries, tobacco, cigar box, spice and licorice. There is no reason to not pop a cork on this today.

Ready for prime time drinking, the wine is showing all its soft, luscious fruit, plums and cherries, tobacco, cigar box, spice and licorice. There is no reason to not pop a cork on this today.

4,206 Views   Tasted
For the first time the chateau had the ability to conduct 5 different sorting's of the berries which was truly necessary in this difficult vintage. From yields of 27.5 hectoliters per hectare and a blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine was aged in 100% new oak and reached 13.5% ABV. With licorice, herbs, kirsch, forest and bitter chocolate in the nose, the wine is medium bodied ending in a chalky, red cherry finish.

For the first time the chateau had the ability to conduct 5 different sorting's of the berries which was truly necessary in this difficult vintage. From yields of 27.5 hectoliters per hectare and a blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine was aged in 100% new oak and reached 13.5% ABV. With licorice, herbs, kirsch, forest and bitter chocolate in the nose, the wine is medium bodied ending in a chalky, red cherry finish.

4,472 Views   Tasted
2006
93
Showing maturity in the color, the wine offers secondary aromatics of truffle, black cherry, smoke and licorice with just a hint of cocoa in the endnote. Full bodied, concentrated, round and starting to open, you can drink this now, or age it for several more years. This is one of the few 2006 Bordeaux wines that does not display the strict tannins found so often in this vintage.

Showing maturity in the color, the wine offers secondary aromatics of truffle, black cherry, smoke and licorice with just a hint of cocoa in the endnote. Full bodied, concentrated, round and starting to open, you can drink this now, or age it for several more years. This is one of the few 2006 Bordeaux wines that does not display the strict tannins found so often in this vintage.

3,626 Views   Tasted
Smoke, oak, charcoal and black fruit scents are reticent about displaying their aromas. The wine is tight at the moment and requires air before its masculine tannins begin to subside.

Smoke, oak, charcoal and black fruit scents are reticent about displaying their aromas. The wine is tight at the moment and requires air before its masculine tannins begin to subside.

6,000 Views   Tasted
This was the first vintage sporting the new label highlighting the estate’s promotion to Grand Cru Classe’ status.Produced from a blend of 90% Merlot with the remainder of the blend evenly split between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, notes of wood, licorice, plum, coffee and forest aromas open to soft textures, with ample round tannins and fresh plum. There is a strong chalky, minerality sensation in the fresh, plum finish. This requires time to soften and develop.

This was the first vintage sporting the new label highlighting the estate’s promotion to Grand Cru Classe’ status.Produced from a blend of 90% Merlot with the remainder of the blend evenly split between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, notes of wood, licorice, plum, coffee and forest aromas open to soft textures, with ample round tannins and fresh plum. There is a strong chalky, minerality sensation in the fresh, plum finish. This requires time to soften and develop.

5,693 Views   Tasted
Big, powerful, tannic and structured to age, this Bordeaux wine is filled with black and blue fruit, licorice, spice, fresh roasted coffee beans, cocoa and minerality. Manly in style, full bodied and concentrated, give it another 5-8 years to let it come together before popping a bottle.

Big, powerful, tannic and structured to age, this Bordeaux wine is filled with black and blue fruit, licorice, spice, fresh roasted coffee beans, cocoa and minerality. Manly in style, full bodied and concentrated, give it another 5-8 years to let it come together before popping a bottle.

5,974 Views   Tasted
2005
96
Close to its peak drinking window, the wine loaded with wet earth, smoke, licorice, dark chocolate, figs and black cherries. Concentrated, ripe, round, lush and long, this hedonistic treat ends with an opulent blast of dark cherries, espresso, smoke, blueberry and plum liqueur.

Close to its peak drinking window, the wine loaded with wet earth, smoke, licorice, dark chocolate, figs and black cherries. Concentrated, ripe, round, lush and long, this hedonistic treat ends with an opulent blast of dark cherries, espresso, smoke, blueberry and plum liqueur.

5,362 Views   Tasted
This could be the best wine made in the history of Troplong Mondot. It has all the depth, power, concentration, fruit and ripeness you could ask for, but there is ample acidity here, so you get the freshness and lift needed to make this pop. I like it today, but another 3 years or so will a lot to the wine.

This could be the best wine made in the history of Troplong Mondot. It has all the depth, power, concentration, fruit and ripeness you could ask for, but there is ample acidity here, so you get the freshness and lift needed to make this pop. I like it today, but another 3 years or so will a lot to the wine.

6,847 Views   Tasted
This coats your mouth, palate, teeth and gums with flavor. Dense, velvet like textures, perfectly ripe, silky, opulent fruits and a finish that sticks with you for more than 60 seconds! This is pure, bottled decadence. The best wine made in the history of Troplong Mondot so far, and a true testament to Christine Valette.

This coats your mouth, palate, teeth and gums with flavor. Dense, velvet like textures, perfectly ripe, silky, opulent fruits and a finish that sticks with you for more than 60 seconds! This is pure, bottled decadence. The best wine made in the history of Troplong Mondot so far, and a true testament to Christine Valette.

11,673 Views   Tasted
Inky in color, this is rich, intense, sensuous, luscious, silky and decadent. Packed with layers of velvet drenched plums, black cherry, dark chocolate, licorice and black cherry liqueur, this is only now starting to strut its ample charms. This pure, bottled hedonism and will continue getting better and better for at least another 2 decades.

Inky in color, this is rich, intense, sensuous, luscious, silky and decadent. Packed with layers of velvet drenched plums, black cherry, dark chocolate, licorice and black cherry liqueur, this is only now starting to strut its ample charms. This pure, bottled hedonism and will continue getting better and better for at least another 2 decades.

9,828 Views   Tasted
The fruit was picked from September 22 – September 29. From very low yields of 26 hectoliters per hectares, aged in 75% new oak, the wine reached 14.5 ABV. From a blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine is deep ruby in color. The first thing you notice is an explosion of truffle, dark chocolate, coffee, licorice, ripe plum, black cherry liqueur, baked goods and caramel grab your attention and keep it there. Silk and velvet textures meshed with power, ripe tannins, freshness and acidity. There is a lot going on. But everything is in balance. The wine is expansive ending with intense, pure melted black cherry. You could drink this today and you’ll enjoy a great tasting experience. But patience will be rewarded. Give it 5-10 years. Regardless of all the points or wine tasting adjectives in the world, the true test of a wine for any taster is, are you compelled to keep tasting the wine, not only for new discoveries, but for pleasure. I could not keep my hands off this wine. It is stunning!

The fruit was picked from September 22 – September 29. From very low yields of 26 hectoliters per hectares, aged in 75% new oak, the wine reached 14.5 ABV. From a blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine is deep ruby in color. The first thing you notice is an explosion of truffle, dark chocolate, coffee, licorice, ripe plum, black cherry liqueur, baked goods and caramel grab your attention and keep it there. Silk and velvet textures meshed with power, ripe tannins, freshness and acidity. There is a lot going on. But everything is in balance. The wine is expansive ending with intense, pure melted black cherry. You could drink this today and you’ll enjoy a great tasting experience. But patience will be rewarded. Give it 5-10 years. Regardless of all the points or wine tasting adjectives in the world, the true test of a wine for any taster is, are you compelled to keep tasting the wine, not only for new discoveries, but for pleasure. I could not keep my hands off this wine. It is stunning!

13,806 Views   Tasted
Aromatic fireworks are set off by explosions of cherries, spice, black plums, herbs, coffee, smoke and ripe, black fruit. Immense concentration combined with structure to age for decades are the backbone of this Bordeaux wine. With each sip your palate is drenched in endless waves of thick, concentrated, chocolate covered, black fruit and tannin. But, the ample tannin is sweet, elegant and refined reminding me of the lovely Christine Valette who made what could become the finest wine Troplong Mondot has ever produced.

Aromatic fireworks are set off by explosions of cherries, spice, black plums, herbs, coffee, smoke and ripe, black fruit. Immense concentration combined with structure to age for decades are the backbone of this Bordeaux wine. With each sip your palate is drenched in endless waves of thick, concentrated, chocolate covered, black fruit and tannin. But, the ample tannin is sweet, elegant and refined reminding me of the lovely Christine Valette who made what could become the finest wine Troplong Mondot has ever produced.

17,032 Views   Tasted
The fennel, blackberry, chocolate and cassis nose got you going. The incredible, concentrated, lush, fat, sexy fruit that pampered your palate was next in line. The long rich, round, opulent sweet, ripe, fruit filled finish let you know this is one of the truly special wines from an amazing vintage.

The fennel, blackberry, chocolate and cassis nose got you going. The incredible, concentrated, lush, fat, sexy fruit that pampered your palate was next in line. The long rich, round, opulent sweet, ripe, fruit filled finish let you know this is one of the truly special wines from an amazing vintage.

14,224 Views   Tasted
If someone said 05 Troplong Mondot is better than 90 Troplong Mondot, they would get no argument from me. Deep, dark, opaque, ruby in color. Black fruit, plums and spices melt all over your palate and senses with perfect balance. Levels of concentration that must be tasted to be believed are found in this Bordeaux. Incredibly lush, opulent, sexy palate texture. Tremendous viscosity.

If someone said 05 Troplong Mondot is better than 90 Troplong Mondot, they would get no argument from me. Deep, dark, opaque, ruby in color. Black fruit, plums and spices melt all over your palate and senses with perfect balance. Levels of concentration that must be tasted to be believed are found in this Bordeaux. Incredibly lush, opulent, sexy palate texture. Tremendous viscosity.

14,245 Views   Tasted
This wine is compelling. Sex in a bottle is the perfect descriptor... Inky, black, purple tinted color, with layer after layer of rich, deep, very ripe fruit, herbs and spices. Incredible layers of balanced concentration. The finish lasts close to a minute! The palate presence is off the hook. Your palate never tires of being bathed in a wealth of fruit. It is difficult to stop tasting the wine because each taste shows something different

This wine is compelling. Sex in a bottle is the perfect descriptor... Inky, black, purple tinted color, with layer after layer of rich, deep, very ripe fruit, herbs and spices. Incredible layers of balanced concentration. The finish lasts close to a minute! The palate presence is off the hook. Your palate never tires of being bathed in a wealth of fruit. It is difficult to stop tasting the wine because each taste shows something different

13,796 Views   Tasted
2004
89
Medium bodied and ready to drink, this is better on the nose, with its plum and truffle scents, than on the palate, which is slightly drying in the finish.

Medium bodied and ready to drink, this is better on the nose, with its plum and truffle scents, than on the palate, which is slightly drying in the finish.

4,514 Views   Tasted
Blending 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, plum, truffle and coffee scents lead to a fresh, cherry, red and black plum filled wine that is slightly dry in the finish.

Blending 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, plum, truffle and coffee scents lead to a fresh, cherry, red and black plum filled wine that is slightly dry in the finish.

6,010 Views   Tasted
2003
91
Fully mature, this medium bodied wine is more interesting on the nose and texture than with its palate presence. The wine has developed pre maturely and needs to be drunk up.

Fully mature, this medium bodied wine is more interesting on the nose and texture than with its palate presence. The wine has developed pre maturely and needs to be drunk up.

4,643 Views   Tasted
The wine was aged in 100% new oak and reached 14% ABV. From From 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, notes of roasted cherry, leaf, kirsch liqueur, jam and forest aromas open to a soft, round, forward style of Troplong Mondot that offers ample chocolate and bright cherry jam. This is drinking well today.

The wine was aged in 100% new oak and reached 14% ABV. From From 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, notes of roasted cherry, leaf, kirsch liqueur, jam and forest aromas open to a soft, round, forward style of Troplong Mondot that offers ample chocolate and bright cherry jam. This is drinking well today.

4,560 Views   Tasted
2002
91
Forest floor, old wood, cherry, earth, strawberry and smoke filled aromas open to a soft, red cherry filled wine that is drinking beautifully today. From 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this is quite nice for this cooler vintage.

Forest floor, old wood, cherry, earth, strawberry and smoke filled aromas open to a soft, red cherry filled wine that is drinking beautifully today. From 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this is quite nice for this cooler vintage.

4,734 Views   Tasted
2001
92
The blend is From 85% Merlot, 7.5 Cabernet Sauvignon and 7.5% Cabernet Franc. The wine reached 13.5% ABV and was aged in 100% new oak. Smoke, earth, stone, black cherry and truffle. With air, the medium/full bodied, sensuous, wine filled out in the glass while becoming softer, with more richness. Ready to drink and close to maturity, ends with fresh blackberry and spicy plum sensations.

The blend is From 85% Merlot, 7.5 Cabernet Sauvignon and 7.5% Cabernet Franc. The wine reached 13.5% ABV and was aged in 100% new oak. Smoke, earth, stone, black cherry and truffle. With air, the medium/full bodied, sensuous, wine filled out in the glass while becoming softer, with more richness. Ready to drink and close to maturity, ends with fresh blackberry and spicy plum sensations.

6,608 Views   Tasted
2000
94
Fully developed, the wine is round, lush, sweet and fresh with ample chocolate covered plums, blackberries, espresso, licorice and smoke notes. No decanting needed. Just pop, pour and enjoy. Drink from 2022-2030.

Fully developed, the wine is round, lush, sweet and fresh with ample chocolate covered plums, blackberries, espresso, licorice and smoke notes. No decanting needed. Just pop, pour and enjoy. Drink from 2022-2030.

3,037 Views   Tasted
This is just great today. Drinking in the perfect pace, you find a concentrated, lush, round, full-bodied, sensuously textured wine that serves up its floral, chocolate, smoke, licorice, dark plum and ripe cherries, with a side of truffles with little effort. Decanted 30 minutes, the wine hit all the right notes.

This is just great today. Drinking in the perfect pace, you find a concentrated, lush, round, full-bodied, sensuously textured wine that serves up its floral, chocolate, smoke, licorice, dark plum and ripe cherries, with a side of truffles with little effort. Decanted 30 minutes, the wine hit all the right notes.

5,409 Views   Tasted
Ready to go, and while it should improve, there is no reason not to dig into the full-bodied, ripe, rich, plush wine and all of its black plum, licorice, dark chocolate and black cherry nuances now. An hour of air should help as well.

Ready to go, and while it should improve, there is no reason not to dig into the full-bodied, ripe, rich, plush wine and all of its black plum, licorice, dark chocolate and black cherry nuances now. An hour of air should help as well.

5,022 Views   Tasted
This is drinking at close to peak. Splash decanted and served, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated, round and lush. The tannins are silky, the finish is soft. Filled with licorice, dark plums, even darker chocolate, herbs, flowers, smoke, tobacco and earth, with black cherries galore, there is no need to wait to pop cork. This should have at least another 15 years of great drinking in its future.

This is drinking at close to peak. Splash decanted and served, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated, round and lush. The tannins are silky, the finish is soft. Filled with licorice, dark plums, even darker chocolate, herbs, flowers, smoke, tobacco and earth, with black cherries galore, there is no need to wait to pop cork. This should have at least another 15 years of great drinking in its future.

5,745 Views   Tasted
Full bodied, concentrated and lushly textured with layers of dark chocolate covered black cherries, licorice, smoke and wet earth. The luscious, fruit filled finish takes up a lot of room in your mouth and feels great. The tannins lend a very small touch of dryness in the finish, that does not take away from the wine, but it stops the score from going higher. This is a good time to be popping corks on this tasty treat.

Full bodied, concentrated and lushly textured with layers of dark chocolate covered black cherries, licorice, smoke and wet earth. The luscious, fruit filled finish takes up a lot of room in your mouth and feels great. The tannins lend a very small touch of dryness in the finish, that does not take away from the wine, but it stops the score from going higher. This is a good time to be popping corks on this tasty treat.

6,102 Views   Tasted
90 minutes of double decanting brought up all the juicy plum, fennel, black cherry, cocoa, smoke and wet earth you could ask for. Full bodied, round, sexy textures and a finish that served up length, persistence and freshness.

90 minutes of double decanting brought up all the juicy plum, fennel, black cherry, cocoa, smoke and wet earth you could ask for. Full bodied, round, sexy textures and a finish that served up length, persistence and freshness.

5,799 Views   Tasted
Decanted about 20 minutes, the wine got better and better in the glass. The air added to the plum, chocolate, blueberry, smoke, licorice, barbecue and truffle nose. Full bodied, deep and concentrated, with about an hour of air, the texture softened out, leaving you with fleshy, silky, lush layers of black cherries and dark chocolate. This is a nice time to start popping a cork on this beauty as it's really showing great today, but it's going to get better for at least another 12-20 more years with little effort.

Decanted about 20 minutes, the wine got better and better in the glass. The air added to the plum, chocolate, blueberry, smoke, licorice, barbecue and truffle nose. Full bodied, deep and concentrated, with about an hour of air, the texture softened out, leaving you with fleshy, silky, lush layers of black cherries and dark chocolate. This is a nice time to start popping a cork on this beauty as it's really showing great today, but it's going to get better for at least another 12-20 more years with little effort.

5,642 Views   Tasted
No matter how many times I taste this wine, I never get bored with it. Silky, sensuous and plush, this hedonistic treat is packed with licorice, oak, ripe plums, boysenberry, black cherry, jam, truffle, cocoa and earthy notes. Polished, yet lusty, (a nice combination,) you can enjoy this now, or age it for another 5 or more years.

No matter how many times I taste this wine, I never get bored with it. Silky, sensuous and plush, this hedonistic treat is packed with licorice, oak, ripe plums, boysenberry, black cherry, jam, truffle, cocoa and earthy notes. Polished, yet lusty, (a nice combination,) you can enjoy this now, or age it for another 5 or more years.

7,242 Views   Tasted
From a blend of 85% Merlot 7.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7.5% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.5% ABV and was aged in 85% new oak. Floral, chocolate, blackberry and plum scents open to supple, ripe, sweet black plum and mocha. Some tannin remains, give it 2 -5 more years to develop further and enjoy it over the next 15-20 years.

From a blend of 85% Merlot 7.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7.5% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.5% ABV and was aged in 85% new oak. Floral, chocolate, blackberry and plum scents open to supple, ripe, sweet black plum and mocha. Some tannin remains, give it 2 -5 more years to develop further and enjoy it over the next 15-20 years.

8,129 Views   Tasted
Licorice, chocolate, truffle, smoke, earth and black cherry liqueur scents opened to a rich, opulent, concentrated, structured wine filled with layers of chocolate covered black cherries, blueberry, spice and fennel. 2000 Troplong Mondot is built to age and improve. Some tannin remains that needs to be resolved. Popped and poured, this felt tight. Other bottles have performed better. The wine will definitely benefit from an hour of air, or even better, another 3-5 years in the cellar. The wine was made from a blend of 85% Merlot 7.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7.5% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.5% ABV and was aged in 85% new oak barrels.

Licorice, chocolate, truffle, smoke, earth and black cherry liqueur scents opened to a rich, opulent, concentrated, structured wine filled with layers of chocolate covered black cherries, blueberry, spice and fennel. 2000 Troplong Mondot is built to age and improve. Some tannin remains that needs to be resolved. Popped and poured, this felt tight. Other bottles have performed better. The wine will definitely benefit from an hour of air, or even better, another 3-5 years in the cellar. The wine was made from a blend of 85% Merlot 7.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7.5% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.5% ABV and was aged in 85% new oak barrels.

8,690 Views   Tasted
With an inviting nose filled with licorice, caramel, truffle, chocolate covered plums and smoke, the wine offers dense, powerful, rich, plush layers of sweet, ripe, jammy dark, fresh berries before ending with a long, wave of licorice, cocoa and sweet, juicy, ripe plums. Give it another 5 years for this hedonistic, St. Emilion wine to gain additional levels of complexity.

With an inviting nose filled with licorice, caramel, truffle, chocolate covered plums and smoke, the wine offers dense, powerful, rich, plush layers of sweet, ripe, jammy dark, fresh berries before ending with a long, wave of licorice, cocoa and sweet, juicy, ripe plums. Give it another 5 years for this hedonistic, St. Emilion wine to gain additional levels of complexity.

9,294 Views   Tasted
Deeply colored with floral, spice, licorice, plum and dark berry notes, this full bodied, lush wine is concentrated withopulently textured, ripe berries, chocolate and fennel. Still young, this will improve for 15-20 or more years.

Deeply colored with floral, spice, licorice, plum and dark berry notes, this full bodied, lush wine is concentrated withopulently textured, ripe berries, chocolate and fennel. Still young, this will improve for 15-20 or more years.

13,514 Views   Tasted
Big, dense, rich, sexy, perfectly balanced with layers and layers of deep, opulent fruit layers. Every swirl, sniff and swallow is a treat for the senses! This is a very special wine that with time will compete with the top wines of the vintage! It's not often a wine combines complexity, sensuality and hedonism, but, if that's what you're seeking in a wine, look no further. For some reason, this wine remains a steal in the marketplace. At today's price, this is a wine well worth buying a case of. It will only get better with time.

Big, dense, rich, sexy, perfectly balanced with layers and layers of deep, opulent fruit layers. Every swirl, sniff and swallow is a treat for the senses! This is a very special wine that with time will compete with the top wines of the vintage! It's not often a wine combines complexity, sensuality and hedonism, but, if that's what you're seeking in a wine, look no further. For some reason, this wine remains a steal in the marketplace. At today's price, this is a wine well worth buying a case of. It will only get better with time.

12,936 Views   Tasted
The levels of depth and layers of fruit and flavors make this wine standout. It features richness and intense aromatics and flavors. Very lush and concentrated. Still young, this has a great future

The levels of depth and layers of fruit and flavors make this wine standout. It features richness and intense aromatics and flavors. Very lush and concentrated. Still young, this has a great future

11,089 Views   Tasted
1999
91
Lively, bright, fresh, red and dark red fruits, licorice, flowers, truffle, smoke and coffee bean aromas create the complex nose. The wine hovers between medium/full body, with soft, textures, fennel, plums and freshness in the finish. This is probably fully mature. If I had any bottles, I'd drink them over the next few years, as the wine will probably fade from here.

Lively, bright, fresh, red and dark red fruits, licorice, flowers, truffle, smoke and coffee bean aromas create the complex nose. The wine hovers between medium/full body, with soft, textures, fennel, plums and freshness in the finish. This is probably fully mature. If I had any bottles, I'd drink them over the next few years, as the wine will probably fade from here.

3,860 Views   Tasted
1998
93
Fully mature, the wine lacks the depth and richness found in the best years. Instead, you find a licorice, earth and smoke filled wine with dark plums, round textures and black, cocoa dusted cherries in the finish.

Fully mature, the wine lacks the depth and richness found in the best years. Instead, you find a licorice, earth and smoke filled wine with dark plums, round textures and black, cocoa dusted cherries in the finish.

3,713 Views   Tasted
The best showing of the wine yet. Popped and poured, truffle, black cherry, boysenberry and earthy scents were easy to find. With an hour in the glass, burning campfire embers and dark chocolate added to the complexity. The exposure to air added fat and softness to the wine, which finished with ripe, sweet, fleshy dark berries and cocoa. There is no reason to age this longer. I'd drink this over the next 10-12 years.

The best showing of the wine yet. Popped and poured, truffle, black cherry, boysenberry and earthy scents were easy to find. With an hour in the glass, burning campfire embers and dark chocolate added to the complexity. The exposure to air added fat and softness to the wine, which finished with ripe, sweet, fleshy dark berries and cocoa. There is no reason to age this longer. I'd drink this over the next 10-12 years.

5,401 Views   Tasted
As this inches closer to its 17th birthday, this is probably fully mature. With a nose of truffle, plum, black cherry, cocoa, coconut and a hint of orange rind, the wine is soft, polished and round. The tannins have melted away. Popped and poured, the wine improved in the glass for at least 30 minutes. There is no hurry to consume this, but there is no reason to age it any longer at this point either.

As this inches closer to its 17th birthday, this is probably fully mature. With a nose of truffle, plum, black cherry, cocoa, coconut and a hint of orange rind, the wine is soft, polished and round. The tannins have melted away. Popped and poured, the wine improved in the glass for at least 30 minutes. There is no hurry to consume this, but there is no reason to age it any longer at this point either.

4,624 Views   Tasted
This is really showing nicely with its licorice, black cherry, chocolate and earthy personality. This is not as rich as the stunning 2000 or 2005, but for drinking today, this is the wine to open.

This is really showing nicely with its licorice, black cherry, chocolate and earthy personality. This is not as rich as the stunning 2000 or 2005, but for drinking today, this is the wine to open.

5,279 Views   Tasted
Tasting much younger than a wine that is close to celebrating its 15th birthday, licorice, black cherry, forest floor, smoke and cocoa scents open to a soft, fleshy, supple textured St. Emilion that is rich, young and vibrant and just starting to enter the beginnings of maturity. In 1998, the wine reached 13% ABV.

Tasting much younger than a wine that is close to celebrating its 15th birthday, licorice, black cherry, forest floor, smoke and cocoa scents open to a soft, fleshy, supple textured St. Emilion that is rich, young and vibrant and just starting to enter the beginnings of maturity. In 1998, the wine reached 13% ABV.

6,968 Views   Tasted
Still young, fresh and vibrant, but maturing at a slow and steady pace, a beautiful nose of licorice, boysenberry, black cherry jam, truffle and mocha appear. Round, soft and plush, the wine ends with a dark chocolate covered plums and spice. This is showing well today and should continue to evolve and offer pleasure for at least another 15 or more years if well stored.

Still young, fresh and vibrant, but maturing at a slow and steady pace, a beautiful nose of licorice, boysenberry, black cherry jam, truffle and mocha appear. Round, soft and plush, the wine ends with a dark chocolate covered plums and spice. This is showing well today and should continue to evolve and offer pleasure for at least another 15 or more years if well stored.

8,542 Views   Tasted
Licorice, chocolate, boysenberry, truffle, mint, coffee and fresh black cherry aromas pop from the glass with little effort. Plush, lush, opulent and sexy, this chocolate, licorice and dark plum filled St. Emilion has added a lot of weight, density and complexity over the last few wines. In today's over heated marketplace, this is a wine to buy, cellar and enjoy.

Licorice, chocolate, boysenberry, truffle, mint, coffee and fresh black cherry aromas pop from the glass with little effort. Plush, lush, opulent and sexy, this chocolate, licorice and dark plum filled St. Emilion has added a lot of weight, density and complexity over the last few wines. In today's over heated marketplace, this is a wine to buy, cellar and enjoy.

9,184 Views   Tasted
A fountain of rich, licorice, chocolate and sweet black fruits jumped from the glass. Full bodied and filled with elegant, plush, opulent fruit, the 1998 Troplong Mondot is starting to blossom

A fountain of rich, licorice, chocolate and sweet black fruits jumped from the glass. Full bodied and filled with elegant, plush, opulent fruit, the 1998 Troplong Mondot is starting to blossom

6,205 Views   Tasted
Spicy cherries, black fruit, licorice and an interesting hint of candied raspberry start off the aromatics. Rich, deep and concentrated on the palate, the wine finishes with a blast of ripe, licorice and dark berry notes.

Spicy cherries, black fruit, licorice and an interesting hint of candied raspberry start off the aromatics. Rich, deep and concentrated on the palate, the wine finishes with a blast of ripe, licorice and dark berry notes.

6,322 Views   Tasted
Licorice, chocolate, black plum and dark berry aromatics with coffee and spice. Full bodied, ripe tannins and a long, powerful, yet elegant, fruit filled finish are the hallmarks of this wine. Still young, this will only get better with time.

Licorice, chocolate, black plum and dark berry aromatics with coffee and spice. Full bodied, ripe tannins and a long, powerful, yet elegant, fruit filled finish are the hallmarks of this wine. Still young, this will only get better with time.

4,502 Views   Tasted
1995
90
On the hard, tannic and austere side of the style range, the tannins were almost obtrusive. The nose was better than the palate. This clearly showed the difficulties faced hard tannins by many 1995 Bordeaux wines. The wine was produced from a blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and reached 13.5% ABV. Perhaps the large percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc explains the solid, tannic structure to the vintage.

On the hard, tannic and austere side of the style range, the tannins were almost obtrusive. The nose was better than the palate. This clearly showed the difficulties faced hard tannins by many 1995 Bordeaux wines. The wine was produced from a blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and reached 13.5% ABV. Perhaps the large percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc explains the solid, tannic structure to the vintage.

6,085 Views   Tasted
A melange of red and black fruit, anise, chocolate, minerals and herbs filled the perfume. Good concentration, but like so many other 95 wines, the tannins are hard making this a more foursquare style for the Chateau.

A melange of red and black fruit, anise, chocolate, minerals and herbs filled the perfume. Good concentration, but like so many other 95 wines, the tannins are hard making this a more foursquare style for the Chateau.

7,381 Views   Tasted
1994
90
Fully mature, with fennel, earth, smoke, black cherry, herb, wet forest floor and mocha notes, the wine is quite successful for the vintage. With soft, round textures and just a minor touch of dryness in the finish, the wine ends with red and black fruits, olive tapenade and a hint of cocoa. There is no reason to age this any longer.

Fully mature, with fennel, earth, smoke, black cherry, herb, wet forest floor and mocha notes, the wine is quite successful for the vintage. With soft, round textures and just a minor touch of dryness in the finish, the wine ends with red and black fruits, olive tapenade and a hint of cocoa. There is no reason to age this any longer.

4,219 Views   Tasted
1990
94
Not as interesting as other bottles, the wine was full-bodied, concentrated, rich, lush, showy and leaning to flamboyant, but it was not as expressive or complex as previous bottles. Good but not great, still, it was a pleasure to taste. At 30 years of age, some bottles are simply better than other bottles. Such is life, and part of the game.

Not as interesting as other bottles, the wine was full-bodied, concentrated, rich, lush, showy and leaning to flamboyant, but it was not as expressive or complex as previous bottles. Good but not great, still, it was a pleasure to taste. At 30 years of age, some bottles are simply better than other bottles. Such is life, and part of the game.

4,282 Views   Tasted
At, or close to full maturity, this is loaded with all the truffle, dark chocolate, plum, black cherry, licorice and smoke you desire. Rich, luscious and full bodied, there is depth of flavor, concentration and length. This is a hedonistic thrill ride indeed.

At, or close to full maturity, this is loaded with all the truffle, dark chocolate, plum, black cherry, licorice and smoke you desire. Rich, luscious and full bodied, there is depth of flavor, concentration and length. This is a hedonistic thrill ride indeed.

5,004 Views   Tasted
Rich, concentrated, lush, round and supple, the earthy, fleshy, sensuous character of all that ripe, sweet fruit is really showing its stuff. A true wine of pleasure.

Rich, concentrated, lush, round and supple, the earthy, fleshy, sensuous character of all that ripe, sweet fruit is really showing its stuff. A true wine of pleasure.

6,877 Views   Tasted
Incredibly consistent, this never fails to please and this tasting, which was just pop and pour was no exception. Luscious, rich, opulent and showy, the fruit ripe, textures are decadent and the finish is packed with waves of sweet black cherries, liqueur, chocolate and licorice. Age it for more earthy character, or pop a cork for hedonistic pleasure.

Incredibly consistent, this never fails to please and this tasting, which was just pop and pour was no exception. Luscious, rich, opulent and showy, the fruit ripe, textures are decadent and the finish is packed with waves of sweet black cherries, liqueur, chocolate and licorice. Age it for more earthy character, or pop a cork for hedonistic pleasure.

5,651 Views   Tasted
Served blind for New Years Eve, this bottle was stunning! Full bodied, soft, silky and sublime, the fruit was vibrant, the wine was fresh, intense and opulent. This is drinking in the perfect place, although I doubt there is a hurry to get to it.

Served blind for New Years Eve, this bottle was stunning! Full bodied, soft, silky and sublime, the fruit was vibrant, the wine was fresh, intense and opulent. This is drinking in the perfect place, although I doubt there is a hurry to get to it.

5,170 Views   Tasted
I love this wine! Exotic, lush, opulent textures, mountains of perfectly ripe fruit, mole hills of over ripe ripe fruit combine to produce a wine of stunning richness and purity. It's a unique expression of St. Emilion and Troplong Mondot. For me, that unique quality deserves to be embraced. All the worlds best wines are to a degree, unique in character. 2005 Troplong Mondot is a better wine, as is 2009 and 2010, but those are more than a decade away from maturity. This is the wine to drink today and for years into the future.

I love this wine! Exotic, lush, opulent textures, mountains of perfectly ripe fruit, mole hills of over ripe ripe fruit combine to produce a wine of stunning richness and purity. It's a unique expression of St. Emilion and Troplong Mondot. For me, that unique quality deserves to be embraced. All the worlds best wines are to a degree, unique in character. 2005 Troplong Mondot is a better wine, as is 2009 and 2010, but those are more than a decade away from maturity. This is the wine to drink today and for years into the future.

6,502 Views   Tasted
With a nose that soars with its truffle, blackberry, boysenberry jam, chocolate fudge, earth, spice box and liqueur scents, you know you’re in for something special. Incredibly concentrated, with layers of decadent, ripe, pure, jammy berries, port like textures and a finish that expands for close to 60 seconds, this remains a stellar wine with at least another 2 decades of bottled pleasure remaining.

With a nose that soars with its truffle, blackberry, boysenberry jam, chocolate fudge, earth, spice box and liqueur scents, you know you’re in for something special. Incredibly concentrated, with layers of decadent, ripe, pure, jammy berries, port like textures and a finish that expands for close to 60 seconds, this remains a stellar wine with at least another 2 decades of bottled pleasure remaining.

6,001 Views   Tasted
Explosive aromas of licorice, boysenberry, truffle, 5 spice, cocoa, black cherry liqueur,smoke, herbs, earth, coffee, forest floor and caramel. Full bodied, intense, powerful, rich and opulently textured, this decadent St. Emilion wine ends with a long, pure, dark chocolate covered plum and blackberry liqueur finish. Still young fresh and vibrant, this will continue to improve. 3 hours later, the wine is still going strong! 1990 is the best vintage of Troplong Mondot until the stunning 2005. 98 Pts

Explosive aromas of licorice, boysenberry, truffle, 5 spice, cocoa, black cherry liqueur,smoke, herbs, earth, coffee, forest floor and caramel. Full bodied, intense, powerful, rich and opulently textured, this decadent St. Emilion wine ends with a long, pure, dark chocolate covered plum and blackberry liqueur finish. Still young fresh and vibrant, this will continue to improve. 3 hours later, the wine is still going strong! 1990 is the best vintage of Troplong Mondot until the stunning 2005. 98 Pts

8,262 Views   Tasted
Rich and port like, if you wanted to find this wine in the dictionary, look under decadent, Intense and concentrated, this glycerine filled wine is stuffed with fat, juicy ripe plums, chocolate, spice, truffle, earth, fudge, espresso bean, blueberry and black cherry liqueur. The wine coats your mouth with layers of port like fruit that last close to sixty seconds! Decadent is the perfect word to describe the wine. The levels of concentration found in this bottle of heaven are seldom seen in dry wines. I have high hopes the 2005 and possibly 2010 will turn out this well when they reach maturity.

Rich and port like, if you wanted to find this wine in the dictionary, look under decadent, Intense and concentrated, this glycerine filled wine is stuffed with fat, juicy ripe plums, chocolate, spice, truffle, earth, fudge, espresso bean, blueberry and black cherry liqueur. The wine coats your mouth with layers of port like fruit that last close to sixty seconds! Decadent is the perfect word to describe the wine. The levels of concentration found in this bottle of heaven are seldom seen in dry wines. I have high hopes the 2005 and possibly 2010 will turn out this well when they reach maturity.

8,495 Views   Tasted
Black cherry, blackberry, herbs and licorice were easy to find. Lots of fat, juicy, black fruit wash your palate. But the intense, ostentatious, very ripe and exotic sweetness coupled with power found in the best bottles was not present. Still, the wine was bold, fat and sexy.

Black cherry, blackberry, herbs and licorice were easy to find. Lots of fat, juicy, black fruit wash your palate. But the intense, ostentatious, very ripe and exotic sweetness coupled with power found in the best bottles was not present. Still, the wine was bold, fat and sexy.

7,647 Views   Tasted
Licorice, coffee, black and blue fruit accented by exotic spices scream from the bottle before the wine even hits your glass. But, the party really starts when this decadent nectar connects with your palate. Tasting this feels akin to multiple layers of molten fruit caressing your tongue and palate. This wine is so packed with dense, rich, ripe heavenly fruit, even the concentration seems concentrated. Truly a wow wine!

Licorice, coffee, black and blue fruit accented by exotic spices scream from the bottle before the wine even hits your glass. But, the party really starts when this decadent nectar connects with your palate. Tasting this feels akin to multiple layers of molten fruit caressing your tongue and palate. This wine is so packed with dense, rich, ripe heavenly fruit, even the concentration seems concentrated. Truly a wow wine!

6,259 Views   Tasted
This was not a correct bottle. This normally exuberant bottle was muted when compared to better examples. You could sense the ripe qualities and potential, but this bottle was off. Still, on this night, we experienced hints of the exotic sweetness and multiple layers of flavors usually found in the wine, but we were missing the full monty. More often than not, I've written this wine is one of the best wines of the decade! But, you know the old adage about older wines, "There is no such thing as great wines, only great bottles." As wines age, provenance is everything. This was a perfect example of the value of buying wines as early as possible and storing them correctly

This was not a correct bottle. This normally exuberant bottle was muted when compared to better examples. You could sense the ripe qualities and potential, but this bottle was off. Still, on this night, we experienced hints of the exotic sweetness and multiple layers of flavors usually found in the wine, but we were missing the full monty. More often than not, I've written this wine is one of the best wines of the decade! But, you know the old adage about older wines, "There is no such thing as great wines, only great bottles." As wines age, provenance is everything. This was a perfect example of the value of buying wines as early as possible and storing them correctly

7,681 Views   Tasted
Off the charts aromatics featuring spice, fresh herbs, ripe blackberry, over ripe plums and dark chocolate. Concentrated, full bodied and drenched with sweet fruit, ripe tannins and opulent textures. This sex bomb of a wine finishes with Port like textures, non-stop ripe, dark berry, black cherry and spice flavors that linger for close to a minute!

Off the charts aromatics featuring spice, fresh herbs, ripe blackberry, over ripe plums and dark chocolate. Concentrated, full bodied and drenched with sweet fruit, ripe tannins and opulent textures. This sex bomb of a wine finishes with Port like textures, non-stop ripe, dark berry, black cherry and spice flavors that linger for close to a minute!

8,709 Views   Tasted
Rich and incredibly port like, decadent is the perfect word to describe the wine. The levels of concentration found in this bottle of heaven are seldom seen in dry wines. This wine drapes over your palate with countles layers of ripe, rich, plush, unctuous juice. The aromatics were complex and they were made a touch more interesting while sparking a bit of controversy as there was a minor tint of VA in the finish.

Rich and incredibly port like, decadent is the perfect word to describe the wine. The levels of concentration found in this bottle of heaven are seldom seen in dry wines. This wine drapes over your palate with countles layers of ripe, rich, plush, unctuous juice. The aromatics were complex and they were made a touch more interesting while sparking a bit of controversy as there was a minor tint of VA in the finish.

7,501 Views   Tasted
Plums, exotic spices, jammy blackberries, coffee & toffee notes are in full force. Still tannic. Very concentrated and full bodied, this thick, complex rich Bordeaux is almost decadent. Layer after layer of ripe black cherries, plums and assorted fruit fill every nook and cranny of you palate. The finish must last close to a minute. Purchased for $35 10 years ago, this is becoming one of the right bank treasures in my cellar.

Plums, exotic spices, jammy blackberries, coffee & toffee notes are in full force. Still tannic. Very concentrated and full bodied, this thick, complex rich Bordeaux is almost decadent. Layer after layer of ripe black cherries, plums and assorted fruit fill every nook and cranny of you palate. The finish must last close to a minute. Purchased for $35 10 years ago, this is becoming one of the right bank treasures in my cellar.

4,992 Views   Tasted
This wine, Christine’s favorite modern vintage is so rich, complex and concentrated it is almost off the charts! The perfume is intoxicating, the body is similar to vintage Port and the layers of flavor rolling over your palate and too numerous to count. The seamless finish lasts close to :60

This wine, Christine’s favorite modern vintage is so rich, complex and concentrated it is almost off the charts! The perfume is intoxicating, the body is similar to vintage Port and the layers of flavor rolling over your palate and too numerous to count. The seamless finish lasts close to :60

4,782 Views   Tasted
The fruit is insanely ripe with unreal levels of concentration and a perfume that is so complex, you’d need a spread-sheet to list everything happening with the wine.

The fruit is insanely ripe with unreal levels of concentration and a perfume that is so complex, you’d need a spread-sheet to list everything happening with the wine.

4,742 Views   Tasted
Blackberry liqueur, anise, and spices roared from the glass. The level of glycerin was off the charts. This dense, thick and rich elixir, truly resembles motor oil. But, from a great year! This is so packed and stacked with decadent, ripe, fruit, it’s hard to believe

Blackberry liqueur, anise, and spices roared from the glass. The level of glycerin was off the charts. This dense, thick and rich elixir, truly resembles motor oil. But, from a great year! This is so packed and stacked with decadent, ripe, fruit, it’s hard to believe

5,329 Views   Tasted
I found its exotic coconut accented perfume intoxicating. The multiple layers of sweet, ripe, decadent fruit were extraordinary. The 90 Troplong Mondot delivers pleasure in abundance. It exemplifies what a port like, dry red wine is.

I found its exotic coconut accented perfume intoxicating. The multiple layers of sweet, ripe, decadent fruit were extraordinary. The 90 Troplong Mondot delivers pleasure in abundance. It exemplifies what a port like, dry red wine is.

4,034 Views   Tasted
A beautiful, sexy beast of a wine. The wine almost opaque. Deep black fruits, licorice and spices on the nose with a huge, full bodied mouth feel on the palate. Mountains of sweet, ripe black fruit on the nose are made better by the superb mouth feel. 90 Troplong is a pleasure and a treat for hedonists.

A beautiful, sexy beast of a wine. The wine almost opaque. Deep black fruits, licorice and spices on the nose with a huge, full bodied mouth feel on the palate. Mountains of sweet, ripe black fruit on the nose are made better by the superb mouth feel. 90 Troplong is a pleasure and a treat for hedonists.

5,700 Views   Tasted
1989
94
Probably close to fully mature, with a definite lightening of color, the wine was loaded with spicy black cherries, wet earth, smoke, jam, licorice and mocha, soft, silky and round in texture, the wine finished with a sweet, cherry griotte, plum and spicy, chocolate finish. For those of you who like facts, the ABV level reached 13.5%.

Probably close to fully mature, with a definite lightening of color, the wine was loaded with spicy black cherries, wet earth, smoke, jam, licorice and mocha, soft, silky and round in texture, the wine finished with a sweet, cherry griotte, plum and spicy, chocolate finish. For those of you who like facts, the ABV level reached 13.5%.

6,969 Views   Tasted
Licorice, coffee, jammy blackberry, boysenberry liqueur, incense and chocolate scents lead to an intense, concentrated, corpulent mouth feel. Pure, lush, rich and drinking perfectly, there is no reason to delay opening a bottle.

Licorice, coffee, jammy blackberry, boysenberry liqueur, incense and chocolate scents lead to an intense, concentrated, corpulent mouth feel. Pure, lush, rich and drinking perfectly, there is no reason to delay opening a bottle.

5,851 Views   Tasted
With a huge nose of black fruit, plums, minerals, spices, licorice and herbs, it let you know it was in the house. Big, meaty and very concentrated. A huge, tasty, deep mouthful of fresh, ripe, black juicy fruit washes over your palate. The long finish is a pleasure to experience.

With a huge nose of black fruit, plums, minerals, spices, licorice and herbs, it let you know it was in the house. Big, meaty and very concentrated. A huge, tasty, deep mouthful of fresh, ripe, black juicy fruit washes over your palate. The long finish is a pleasure to experience.

8,096 Views   Tasted
Rich, fat, sexy, decadent fruit fills every reach of your palate. Incredibly concentrated, with multiple layers of opulent, smoky, ripe black fruit, plums, and minerals. This already stunning wine, while ready to drink today, will further improve a bit with additional cellar time.

Rich, fat, sexy, decadent fruit fills every reach of your palate. Incredibly concentrated, with multiple layers of opulent, smoky, ripe black fruit, plums, and minerals. This already stunning wine, while ready to drink today, will further improve a bit with additional cellar time.

8,270 Views   Tasted
Rich, fat, sexy, decadent black fruit and minerality filled your entire palate. Incredibly concentrated with multiple layers of opulent, smoky, dark fruit, plums and bitter chocolate were in full force in the long, clean finish.

Rich, fat, sexy, decadent black fruit and minerality filled your entire palate. Incredibly concentrated with multiple layers of opulent, smoky, dark fruit, plums and bitter chocolate were in full force in the long, clean finish.

6,316 Views   Tasted
Dark in color, this complex St. Emilion bursts out of the glass with scents of herbs, black fruit, licorice and smoke. Concentrated and compelling on the palate, the round, opulently textured wine delivers a rich, sultry finish.

Dark in color, this complex St. Emilion bursts out of the glass with scents of herbs, black fruit, licorice and smoke. Concentrated and compelling on the palate, the round, opulently textured wine delivers a rich, sultry finish.

3,538 Views   Tasted
Concentrated, compelling with great structure. This ripe berry, licorice, jammy spice scented wine gets you excited from the nice sniff. The beautiful ripe black, plummy, chocolate flavored fruit and opulent textures will put a smile an any tasters face.

Concentrated, compelling with great structure. This ripe berry, licorice, jammy spice scented wine gets you excited from the nice sniff. The beautiful ripe black, plummy, chocolate flavored fruit and opulent textures will put a smile an any tasters face.

3,284 Views   Tasted
1975
84
Fading, more tart than sweet and better on the nose, than the palate, this requires drinking.

Fading, more tart than sweet and better on the nose, than the palate, this requires drinking.

5,060 Views   Tasted
1964
65
It would be polite to say this was slightly past its prime. Sharp, acidic and on the wine to becoming sherry-like, this is not a wine to buy today. Share with someone having an anniversary that you are not too interested in celebrating. They cannot all be winners. Such is life.

It would be polite to say this was slightly past its prime. Sharp, acidic and on the wine to becoming sherry-like, this is not a wine to buy today. Share with someone having an anniversary that you are not too interested in celebrating. They cannot all be winners. Such is life.

3,603 Views   Tasted
1955
89
The nose was the best part of the experience with its thyme, smoke, truffle, wet earth, forest, herb, and bright red fruit character. Medium bodied with a crisp, but charming, earthy, red berry finish.

The nose was the best part of the experience with its thyme, smoke, truffle, wet earth, forest, herb, and bright red fruit character. Medium bodied with a crisp, but charming, earthy, red berry finish.

2,694 Views   Tasted