With extraordinary purity and intensity, the 2002 Troplong boasts a saturated purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of underbrush, cassis, licorice, smoke, and a hint of crushed stones. The beautiful integration of soft, supple tannin, pinpoint precision of all the elements, expansive mid-palate, and tremendous 35-40 second finish are something one certainly associates more with the 2000 or 1998. Once again Madame Valette has proven that this estate deserves to be elevated to a St.-Emilion premier grand cru classe, and let’s hope the new classification scheduled to emerge in several years takes notice.

- Wine Advocate