Pure perfection in a glass, the incredible 2009 Troplong Mondot offers off the chart notes of blackcurrants, licorice, truffles and saddle leather that just soar from the glass. This is a big, ripe, incredibly sexy wine that hits the palate with a huge texture, building, ripe tannin, no weight, and a finish that just won't quit. Utterly brilliant stuff, it's slightly more approachable than the 2005, but both of these vintages play in the same style. Drink bottles anytime over the coming two to three decades. Bravo! There are big changes in store for Troplong Mondot, which was sold in 2017 by Xavier Pariente to the large Insurance firm, SCOR. Aymeric de Gironde, formerly at Cos d’Estournel, has been brought in as the new director, and it will be interesting to see what and if any changes are implemented. I had a terrific visit with Xavier for this report, which was on his last day at the estate, and he was reflective and introspective about the sale, as well as tight-lipped about any future plans. Nevertheless, this is a gorgeous property, lying at heart of Saint-Emilion at the highest point of the plateau, and they’ve produced some of the wines of the vintage in both 2015 and 2016. (Drink between 2018-2048)