Chateau Troplong Mondot 1989

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A very youthful wine that probably will never hit the heights of the 1990 (but how many wines do?), this dense ruby/purple-colored wine has a very pure nose of roasted espresso, black cherry jam, blackberry, mineral, and even a hint of blueberry. Some smoke and high-quality toasty new oak are there, but now that seems to be fading into the background. Quite full-bodied, powerful, and concentrated, yet at the same time elegant, this wine still seems very young and unevolved. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. Last tasted, 11/02."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "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 alcohol level reached 13.5%."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Seductive. Gorgeously perfumed, loads of raspberry and floral aromas. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a delicious blackberry and dark chocolate aftertaste.--1989 Bordeaux horizontal. Best after 2005."