Chateau Troplong Mondot 2000, 2011, 2013

All three vintages are unmistakably Michel-Roland Parker wine: Rhone-like, powerful and full-bodied. ABV in the higher range of 14 to 14.5%. New oak. The composition is mostly 90% Merlot, with the rest shared by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. All vintages are opaque with tight purple rims. The taste profile is chocolate, graphite, blackberry, blueberry, cassis, inky, and massive with extended fruit length.

Awarded 96 points RP, 2000 understandably is better integrated than fruit, extract, and richness outweigh the wine’s structure. Anson says the north-facing orientation gives good acidities; JR also supported this. Vinous says it has developed the missed charm and has a certain elegance. Jeb Dunnuck talked about the balance; JS on the power; WE on the freshness, admitting high ABV content; WS on the harmony. Awarded RP95, 2011, fresher and has more structure than 2000. Granted 94RP and other 95 points, 2013 is spicy, full-bodied, atypically rich, and concentrated. Underlying the fruit palate is a fine chalkiness. All commentators view 2013 favourably on fruit, structure, nice acidity and certain edginess.

All good in their peculiar big way.