Chateau Troplong Mondot 2000

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Extremely young with an unbelievable deep purple color, the 2000 Troplong Mondot has hardly budged since I tasted it in 2003. Two recent tastings confirmed that this is the greatest Troplong Mondot between their profound 1990 and more recent vintages such as 2005, 2008, and 2009. Copious chocolate, graphite, blackberry, blueberry, cassis, and ink characteristics are present in this full-bodied, powerful, massive St.-Emilion. While the tannins are noticeable, they are better integrated than they were seven years ago, and the fruit, extract, and richness clearly outweigh the wine’s structure. This 2000 will benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring (longer than I originally predicted), and has at least two decades of drinkability ahead of it."

WEINWISSER: "Purpur-Violett mit lila Rand. Würziges Amarenabouquet, blumiger Duft, Vanille und sanft konfitürige Noten. Satter, von Kirschen geprägter Gaumen, Grenadinetouch, sanft marmeladige Pflaumentöne, Früchtetee, Kokos-Bounty-Noten, leicht aufrauhende, noch hölzern wirkende Struktur. Die Kraft würde für 19 Punkte ausreichen, doch das verhindern im Moment die grobkörnigen Tannine. Wird der Wein die massiven Gerbstoffe je verkraften?"

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "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."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Intense, deep in colour, a big step up from 1998/99. Dark-fruit character, firm supporting tannins, just the right amount of acidity to keep the palate fresh. Complex, long aftertaste with fragrant, spicy notes. A 2000 which lives up to the vintage billing."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "A soft, rich wine that bears all the classic qualities of the Valette family's winery - a strength of line along and complexity. The fruit is ripe, ultra-generous, but is still tempered with layers of acidity and soft tannins."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Lovely berry, cherry and spice, with hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a pretty mineral and berry aftertaste. A sexy and refined red."