Tasted blind as a vintage comparison at the Valandraud vertical, the 2006 Troplong-Mondot is deep in color with minimal ageing on the rim. The bouquet is rich and generous with mulberry, Hoi Sin, orange blossom and melted tar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, generous black pepper and graphite notes cutting through the dense black fruit, leading to an engaging, tensile, graphite and tobacco-driven finish that exerts both body and length. It still has that slight stockiness, but that is something I like. I have always found much to admire in this vintage of Troplong-Mondot and it continues to give so much pleasure. Tasted December 2016.

Coffee, cedar, blackberry and tobacco aromas follow through to a tight, powerful palate. This is full yet very reserved, with silky, polished tannins. Best after 2014. 5,330 cases made. -JS