Troplong Mondot 2010

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.

The 2010 Troplong Mondot, which clocks in at 15.8% alcohol no less, actually has developed an elegant bouquet with perfumed red berry fruit laced with rose petal, sous-bois and pencil box aromas, focused and quite delineated. The palate is silky smooth on the entry with a fine bead of acidity. There is a fair whack of new oak and alcohol evident here, but that velvety finish and its persistence will be irresistible to those that like almost "brash" Saint-Émilions. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. 94? 2020 - 2034

What a nose. Gorgeous aromas of minerals, flowers and dark berries. Stunning. Full bodied, with a solid core of fruit and racy tannins. Citrusy finish too. Loving this

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. 2020 - 2045

Blackish crimson. Ruby rim. Light cocoa notes on the nose. Lots of sweet maltiness. Pushed to the limit of ripeness. Perfectly serviceable modern St-Émilion style but a little bit painful to taste at this stage. Slightly drying finish. Pushed too far?

Since the late 1980's Christine Valette has consistently produced dense blockbuster Saint Emilions here. 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, malolactic fermentation and elevage all in new oak. Always a serious and powerful wine. Strong Michel Rolland influences here. This is a massive wine that stains the sides of the tasting glass. Bourneville chocolate, black cherry and liquorice flavours dominate. Super-ripe, dense and intense. Very ripe and extracted to the limit. A slight bitterness at the finish from the strapping tannins but there is so much fruit in the middle. You have to be impressed by the sheer intensity of this wine even if it is lacking in subtlety.

The nose is full of rich fruit and the depth of flavour gives power on the palate. Red and black fruits intermingle with the ripeness of the black fleshing out the mid palate. Rounded tannins help the fleshy feel but towards the back there is balancing redcurrant freshness.

A modern beauty. Still has deep colour, power and density but there seems to be more refinement these days. Rich, complex nose with cassis, cacao, spice and menthol notes. Sumptuous texture, balancing acidity and long, firm finish. Drink 2020-2035.