1989 Troplong Mondot, St-Emilion

“A very youthful wine that probably will never hit the heights of the 1990 (but how many wines do?), this dense ruby/purple-colored wine has a very pure nose of roasted espresso, black cherry jam, blackberry, mineral, and even a hint of blueberry. Some smoke and high-quality toasty new oak are there, but now that seems to be fading into the background. Quite full-bodied, powerful, and concentrated, yet at the same time elegant, this wine still seems very young and unevolved. (RP) 95+” (01/2003)

“A hot vintage, and the spices here are a little more exotic than the 1988, clear turmeric and cumin on the first nose. Still full of intensity, a brilliant wine with impact and power, and one that would start conversations around a dinner table. A touch of earthy brett as it opens, but it is part of a myriad of flavours, textures, aromatics - far more evident on the nose than in the mouth, coming across as black truffle, earth and undergrowth. Thoroughly enjoyable. Claude Valette owner, with his daughter Christine manager and Jean-Pierre Taleyson cellar master. Michel Rolland consultant. This was also the year that a sorting table to installed in the cellar for the first time during harvest, with 50% new oak used for ageing.” (06/2022)

“Seductive. Gorgeously perfumed, loads of raspberry and floral aromas. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a delicious blackberry and dark chocolate aftertaste. (JS)” (05/1999)