2003 Troplong Mondot

A very nice St Emilion, spicy, violet-infused and cherry--distinctively NOT cabernet's blackberry and black currant. However as shown below, Parker sees it differently. Nonetheless it's 90% merlot as I suspected and that gives it the cherry overtones. Maybe i'm sensing cherries when parker senses plum and I can see that. I rate this 93. And it needs a couple more years to fully mature in my view. The finish is moderately long on the palette, but on nose, truly a fine aromatic offering.

Here's a nice picture from Troplong Mondot's website. Francie and I stayed in the Troplong Mondot room of Hostellerie de Plaisance in 1985; we're returning to the Hostellerie for lunch on June 12. Rooms there now 10x what they were in 1985 -- then $55, now $550.

Parker: This superb estate, run with impeccable attention to detail by Christine Valette, has produced a formidable, backward wine that will require considerable cellaring. When St.-Emilion’s new classification is announced in several months, it will be a crime if Troplong is not promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classe status. Even by Bordeaux standards this is a weighty vin du garde, with huge density, a backward, masculine style, an inky dark ruby/purple hue, and subtle notions of white chocolate, espresso roast, plums, blackberries, and currants. Full-bodied, powerful, and “closed for business” at present, it exhibits beautiful purity, stunning depth, and a long, persistent finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025+. 92+ points.