2010 Troplong Mondot, St-Emilion (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1067269 99 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Inky, bluish/black/purple, with notes of spring flowers, licorice, camphor, graphite, and a boatload of blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit, this is a powerful, full-bodied Troplong Mondot. All the building components of acidity, tannin, wood and alcohol are judiciously and impressively integrated. It is a blend of 90% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc made by Christine Valette and her husband Xavier Pariente with the consultancy help of Michel Rolland. I-m not sure what the heady alcohol level is in Troplong Mondot in 2010 (it certainly must be in the 15%+ range), but it is well-concealed behind the extravagant, richness, full-bodied power, and pure nobility of this majestic wine. Forget this for 5-7 years and drink it over the following three decades. An absolutely stunning wine from this estate, which seems to be on a mission to produce exquisite world-class wines with enormous aging potential, the 2010 is showing better from bottle than it even did from barrel. (2/ 2013)

94 points James Suckling

Very intense blackberry and blueberry character on the nose. Full body with super refined tannins and beautiful fruit. So delicious and pretty. Very rich and a little high-octane. Yet luscious and flamboyant. Try in 2018. (2/ 2013)

90-94 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Inky violet-ruby. Spearmint and cola notes mingle with aromas of ripe black plum and fresher blackcurrant. Dense, bright and juicy, with flavors of creamy ripe black fruits, lead pencil and cocoa. Finishes long and pure, with a trace of alcohol and very assertive but smooth tannins. This will appeal more to those who appreciate very ripe, high-octane wines. (5/ 2011)

94 points Wine Spectator

Ripe and dense, but very vibrant and energetic, as a torrent of cassis, blackberry coulis and fig paste rushes through, framed by enticing black licorice and evenly roasted alder and juniper notes. The long finish has lots of grip and acidity, but they work together and are deeply embedded. Captures the fruit and structure of the vintage superbly. Best from 2015 through 2030. (3/ 2013)

92 points Wine Enthusiast

Clocking in at 16%, this is a massive wine. Heady smoky wood aromas have given the wine a dry character. The immense palate has bitterness, extract and a solid core of tannins. It has considerable weight, just beginning to develop, although the alcohol does show through at the end. (3/ 2013)

Jancis Robinson

Loads of spicy oak fragrance - coffee. Powerful black fruit. Forthright tannins, and well handled alcohol. 16% was the natural level for them in 2010, they say. (11/ 2012)