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...

Beautiful bright blackberry and blueberry character on the nose. Very pure. Full-bodied, with a dense mouthfeel. Long and chewy. Very tight. Give it time still.—'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Best after 2012. 6,665 cases made. –JS

A decade later from the last wine we have tasted in this vertical, and the regime had changed quite significanty at Troplong. Clear oak toasting on the nose, melted and charming at this point, but still in evidence. This remains young, with an emphasis on liqourice root, firm and confident tannins and plenty of fresh mint and eucalyptus notes. Silky texture, great stuff, a few angular lines to the tannins suggests that this will further improve from here, but no question that it is at a great moment to enjoy drinking. Tobacco, grilled almonds, savoury black fruits, again a slight edge of brett, but a second bottle is cleaner and enjoyable. 100% new oak, Michel Rolland consultant.