Château Trotanoy 2023

Immensely profound and once again truly top-class: floral notes over dark fruit, citrus notes, herbs, wet stone, autumn leaves; a dense, concentrated palate with great elegance, sensational tannin quality, energetic, a magnificent sense of tension, with a finish that seems almost endless. A perfectly orchestrated wine, built for a small eternity.

An ample core of gently warmed cassis and plum reduction gains depth as this airs, while mouthwatering notes of chestnut, alder, red tea and sweet tobacco fill in liberally through the finish. Refined and poised, this seems to pull everything it can from the vintage without looking like it’s trying too hard. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2028 through 2045. 2,400 cases made, 175 cases imported.

95-97. Barrel Sample. This 18-acre vineyard has delivered a richly textured wine. Spice and toasty aromas show the wood aging of this wine. It is rich and powerfully concentrated, with layers of tannins and acidity going together.

Dark fragrance, really perfumed and almost exotic on the nose, lively and expressive, rich and opulent on the aromatic spectrum. Smells fresh and clean with cool blue fruit. Tight and compact tannins really set the stage with acidity that doesn't quite match right now. I do like the cranberry and cherry notes but it’s a touch severe and doesn't have as much charm as many at this stage. However, this is built to last with power and great substance, full and filling, just impenetrable right now. Enjoyable cool aspects on the finish. Will be great to re-taste after ageing with an upscore possible.

100% Merlot. Cask sample. Dark-fruit aromas. Full and solidly built, the tannins firm and persistent giving a dynamic of power on the finish. Long. (JL)

The purity of the red fruit stands out here on the nose, which is accompanied by a pungent, floral display, as well as on the bright, fresh, energetic, full-bodied, supple, and refined palate. The fruits are ripe, deep, and penetrating, as well as vibrant, allowing the berries to come in layers that build in intensity as they linger. The seamless finish lasts for over 50 seconds! The wine is produced from 100% Merlot. Drink from 2029-2060.

Deep dark ruby, deep core, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Fine oak savouriness, ripe cherries, a hint of blackberry confit, nuances of fresh herbs, candied orange zest, floral touch of candied violets. Complex, elegant and juicy, silky, ripe tannins, fine fruit expression in the finish, long-lasting, harmonious, with certain ageing potential.

Back home in the gorgeous deep shades of Trotanoy, fleshy and precise in its fruit structure, hints of peony and iris on the aromatics, layers of liqourice root and bitter chocolate. This is constructed to age, needs time because the tannins are on the severe rather than welcoming side right now. Bang on signature for the personality and architecture of the estate. Potential upscore in bottle.

The depth of Trotanoy’s bouquet is driven by extraordinary subtlety, a remarkable sense of restraint, and a kind of humility that seeks to gauge this wine’s breathtaking potential. The fusion of menthol, mineral and fruity notes over a delicate woody backdrop is fascinating. On the palate, the wine stands out for its serenity and almost airy character, with power that builds progressively thanks to tannins that emerge on the finish, where everything is dedicated to finesse and precision.

Beautiful deep, intense red. Moderately intense nose, with ripe—indeed very ripe—fruit. Notes of raspberry and vanilla. Creamier when the glass is swirled. From the attack, the mellowness is striking. The finish is a little more marked by oak than sometimes. Average length.