A fabulous effort, this sleeper of the vintage may turn out to be the finest Troplong-Mondot since the 1990. The black/purple-colored 1998 exhibits floral, blueberry, blackberry, licorice, vanillin, and truffle-like aromas (or is it charcoal/graphite?). Dense, full-bodied, and pure, yet extremely fresh and elegant, this beautifully focused wine needs 3-5 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.
-Wine Advocate #134 Apr 2001

(91-94 pts)
This is a 1998 St.-Emilion that has put on enormous weight and richness over the last nine months of barrel aging. A saturated black/purple color is followed by floral aromas backed by blackberry, raspberry, and mineral components. Deep, full-bodied, and superbly concentrated, yet admirably balanced, this full-bodied effort should evolve for two decades. Given its power and overall harmony, it will be drinkable in 4-5 years. Impressive!
-Wine Advocate #128 Apr 2000

(88-90 pts)
On three separate tastings of Troplong-Mondot, the 1998 came across as surprisingly elegant. It boasts an impressively saturated purple color, as well as a beautifully etched bouquet of cassis, blackberries, and subtle new oak. The wine is medium-bodied and stylish, with excellent concentration, dry tannin in the finish, and a floral, finesse-styled personality. With moderate tannin, it will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring, and keep for 15-17 years.
-Wine Advocate #122 Apr 1999

A fabulous effort, this sleeper of the vintage may turn out to be the finest Troplong-Mondot since the 1990. The black/purple-colored 1998 exhibits floral, blueberry, blackberry, licorice, vanillin, and truffle-like aromas (or is it charcoal/graphite?). Dense, full-bodied, and pure, yet extremely fresh and elegant, this beautifully focused wine needs 3-5 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.

The 1998 Troplong Mondot has an opulent, quite lactic bouquet with dark chocolate and mocha-tinged bouquet, missing the definition of the 1988 by comparison. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannin, fully mature with tobacco-tinged dark berry fruit. In common with the 1988 there is a Left Bank element to this wine, but it is just missing some definition and precision towards the finish. Not bad, but I think it reflects more the winemaking style in vogue at the time rather than the terroir. Tasted at the château.

Bright medium ruby. Spicy aromas of raspberry, currant, red licorice, smoke, leather and melting toffee. Bright and tight but with good density. Flavors of dark berries and lead pencil. Nicely delineated but currently dominated by its firm acids and tannins. This has excellent intensity and grip, but the firm tannic spine will require at least six or seven years of patience.