2014 Château Troplong-Mondot

The 2014 Troplong Mondot has a lifted bouquet with black cherries, raspberry and subtle cedar notes, which seem to be less evolved than many of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, impressive density and thankfully sufficient freshness to counterbalance the high alcohol. Yes, there is a soupçon of headiness here, and though it is not my preferred style, it retains balance and delineation against expectations. One of the best vintages prior to the entry of Aymeric de Gironde and his team. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.

Tasted blind. Very dark with garnet rim. Cedary and with masses of dark fruit still and some toasty oak. Firm, powerful tannins with just enough fruit at the core. A big, beefy wine just in balance but needing more time for those tannins to resolve further. And slightly charry on the finish. (JH)

Plenty of personality on the nose with beautiful meatiness, black cherry, mint leaf, chocolate, tar, cherry and spice. This is superb, it really sings right now and shows maturity beyond its years. Delivers the power of Troplong and the complexity of the greatest Bordeaux estates. (RH)