Troplong Mondot 2007

A brilliant 2007 from proprietor Christine Valette, this blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from yields of 27.5 hectoliters per hectare, and hit 13.5% natural alcohol. An inky/blue/purple color is followed by an extraordinary perfume of acacia flowers, blueberries, blackberry liqueur, graphite, and smoke. As the wine sits in the glass, it blossoms beautifully to display a raspberry-infused, rich personality with tremendous opulence, a layered mouthfeel, elegance, superb purity, sweet tannins, and low acidity. Drink this beauty now and over the next 10-15 years. Drink 2010-2025.

Attractive for the vintage, with berry, mineral and mint aromas and flavors. Medium body, fine tannins and a delicate finish. Very well done

Big and regular, ripe, black St-Émilion fruit on the nose. Full and chocolaty on the nose. Tastes MUCH later picked than most others, and therefore has quite a different register of aromas. And then a bit dull on the palate. Chewy and awkward on the finish. Like a bristly brush on the palate. Shame because there is a real core of ripe fruit here. The tannins are fine and concentrated. The finish may be a little sudden but at least there is some mulberry scent and better disguised greenness than in many other St-Émilions of this elevated rank. Drink 2012-2017

Deep ruby. Aromas of blueberry, kirsch licorice, tar and minerals, lifted by a floral topnote. Almost surprisingly supple following the high-pitched nose, with fruit-driven flavors of blackberry and licorice pastille. A stylish, medium-bodied wine in the making, with fairly serious tannins for the vintage and late notes of chocolate and pepper. Very good structure here.

True to style - rich, dark and powerful with layered fruit and firm tannic frame. Impressive for the vintage. Builds on the palate. Seems to have staying power. Drink 2014-2022. 4 stars.