Château Troplong Mondot St Emilion Grand Cru Grand Cru Classé 2001

A vintage where the best wines are all about nuance and understated charm, here you get plenty of grilled sandalwood, charcoal, campfire smoke. Well built if a little constricted in its tannic hold, and the oak dominance becomes clear as you head through the palate, with things closing down on the finish. Give it time to open, and allow the cassis, tar and black truffle to arrive, clearly settling in for the long haul. No question that Troplong in those days turned Merlot into a Cabernet-style powerhouse, and this character is still clear two decades after bottling. Has impact, with estate but not vintage signature, I would wait a little longer before drinking, or give it a long time in a carafe. 100% new oak, Michel Rolland consultant.