Chateau Troplong Mondot 2010

99 RP / 99 WI / 98 WA

Inky, bluish/black/purple, with notes of spring flowers, licorice, camphor, graphite, and a boatload of blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit, this is a powerful, full-bodied Troplong Mondot. All the building components of acidity, tannin, wood and alcohol are judiciously and impressively integrated. It is a blend of 90% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc made by Christine Valette and her husband Xavier Pariente with the consultancy help of Michel Rolland. I-m not sure what the heady alcohol level is in Troplong Mondot in 2010 (it certainly must be in the 15%+ range), but it is well-concealed behind the extravagant, richness, full-bodied power, and pure nobility of this majestic wine. Forget this for 5-7 years and drink it over the following three decades. An absolutely stunning wine from this estate, which seems to be on a mission to produce exquisite world-class wines with enormous aging potential, the 2010 is showing better from bottle than it even did from barrel. - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

The 2010 Troplong Mondot has a deep garnet color. It is a little closed to start, with patient swirling it opens out to reveal evocative notes of rose oil, dark chocolate, stewed plums, and Morello cherries, plus hints of cardamom, iron ore, and fragrant soil. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with black fruit and exotic spices layers, supported by very firm, yet very ripe, velvety tannins and compelling tension, finishing with epic length and depth. It is tempting now but could use a good 5 years+ more in bottle.-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Troplong Mondot explodes with beautiful floral notes of red roses and candied violets over a core of plum preserves, kirsch and blueberry pie with a waft of bouquet garni. Full-bodied, rich and decadently fruited, it has bags of plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing very long and sinfully hedonic. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate