2006 Chateau Troplong Mondot, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bottle (750ml)

JA94 Broad-shouldered, well constructed, powerful concentrtation of blackberry pastilles and liqourice root. There is a purity to the fruit expression on the attack, followed quickly by a mid palate shot of melted bitter black chocolate, tar, and tannins that coat your tongue. Come back to this in another decade. Promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé in this year's 2006 ranking. 100% new oak, Michel Rolland consultant.

RP93 Tasted blind as a vintage comparison at the Valandraud vertical, the 2006 Troplong-Mondot is deep in color with minimal ageing on the rim. The bouquet is rich and generous with mulberry, Hoi Sin, orange blossom and melted tar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, generous black pepper and graphite notes cutting through the dense black fruit, leading to an engaging, tensile, graphite and tobacco-driven finish that exerts both body and length. It still has that slight stockiness, but that is something I like. I have always found much to admire in this vintage of Troplong-Mondot and it continues to give so much pleasure.

JD93 A number of 2006 Bordeaux are showing well today, and that is certainly the case with the 2006 Troplong Mondot. Taking about an hour of air to show at its best, its ruby/plum hue gives way to a classic Saint-Emilion offering ample red and black currant fruits, tobacco leaf, bouquet garni, chocolate, and loads of chalky minerality. Rich, full-bodied, and beautifully textured, this powerful 2006 has surprising structure yet more than enough fruit. Mature, but certainly on the early slopes of its drinking plateau, it’s going to evolve gracefully for another two decades or more.