The brilliant 2011 Troplong Mondot is one of the superstars of the vintage. The final blend was 89% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, and the wine tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol. Its opaque blue/purple, nearly black color is followed by aromas of blueberry liqueur interwoven with black raspberries, blackberries, licorice, camphor and forest floor. Among the most complete wines of the vintage, with no hollowness, astringency or herbaceousness, this is a tour de force in a challenging vintage. Some tannins are noticeable, but this 2011 is already approachable and should provide delicious, complex drinking over the next two decades. Bravo! Apr 2014, www.robertparker.com
Robert ParkerScore: 95/100
I love the aromas of blackberries with hints of minerals and flowers. Hints of subtle sandalwood. Full body, with a beautiful balance of juicy fruit and bright acidity. Long and spicy with intense character. 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. jamessuckling.com
James SucklingScore: 93-94/100
Dark and modern but the power commensurate with the vintage. Intense, spicy and rich but a little less force and more finesse. Drink 2020-2030. Decanter.com
DecanterScore: 17.5/20
A gorgeous red, offering ganache and fig notes melded nicely together, with ample heft, but good freshness, with a long, dark, richly layered finish. This goes for power—and pulls it off. James Molesworth, WineSpectator.com
Wine SpectatorScore: 91-94/100
We heard people saying rude things about 2011 Troplong Mondot but we found it to be a rich, full bodied compote of red and black fruit. Sweet, full and delicious. Those looking for the lighter style of 10 years ago beware but if you aren't afraid of a more modern style then this is for you.
FINE+RAREScore: 17/20
A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc picked from 16th September with the Merlot until 5th October with the Cabernet. The nose on the 2011 is tightly wound with reluctant blackberry and cassis notes, the alcohol more contained than last year. The palate is full-bodied with ripe, furry tannins and layers of toasty, quite spicy black fruit laced with liquorice. The finish is a little dry and mealy and comparing it directly to the sample of Chateau Canon...well, the difference cannot be disguised. Tasted April 2012.Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
Neal MartinScore: 87-89/100
Bordeaux / France