Vinous - Score: 89 (Jul. 2018)

The 1990 Troplong Mondot has been highly rated in the past, although I have been troubled by recent showings. This is one particular wine why Antonio and myself will have to agree to differ! I have encountered this particular vintage three times over the course of 12 months, twice served blind, and on all three I noticed too much volatility on the nose that obstructed the fruit and terroir expression. Thickly lacquered fig and boysenberry jam, hints of prune – it just feels excessively heavy. The palate is again, quite volatile, like a dinghy rolling from side-to-side, unable to settle and find its balance. It was a hedonistic thrill in its youth but I would be wary opening a bottle as it reaches 27 years old. Tasted twice, both blind, at a private dinner in Bordeaux.