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.

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