Troplong Mondot 2010 (750ML)

99 RP / 99 WI / 98 WA / 98 WCI / 96 JA / 18 JR

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

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.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider, tasted 3/19

Another big vintage following on from 2009 but with more natural freshness, and for me this is clearly the one that best expresses the potential of Troplong. Barely moved in expression since the 10 Years On tasting, showing just how naturally powerful and slow-ageing these soils are. Expertly constructed, has precision and power but also clearly carved out and well expressed ripe black fruits, brimming with confidence but also with juice and freshness, with hints of violet and eucalpytus. Impressive, monolithic, and with patience you are going to have an exceptional wine. 100% new oak, Michel Rolland.-Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux