2005 Ch. Troplong Mondot, St. Emilion

This epitomises the concept of a vin de plaiser as it seduces and beguiles, teasing all the senses. With slightly more Merlot than usual the nose has a deep richness with liquorice and chocolate hints. Immensely impressive with supple tannins, spicy black cherry fruit and lavish oak, its long finish oozes pure raspberry coulis. All the structure is there for this to last decades - it needs 15 years before it can even be broached according to the cellarmaster Jean-Pierre Taleyson. For him this is a dream wine and certainly the best he has seen since he started working the estate in 1976.

...The 2005 is one of the monumental wines of the vintage, and may eclipse their prodigious 1990. Inky/blue/purple-colored with an exceptional bouquet of Asian spices, blueberries, blackberries, truffles, cold steel, graphite, and charcoal, it hits the palate with exceptional purity, laser-like precision, a compellingly concentrated, multilayered mouthfeel, a broad, savory texture, terrific acidity, and substantial, but sweet tannins. It lives up to everything it revealed in barrel, and appears set to live for a half century or more. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2050.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Apr-2008)