2015 Trottevieille
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Tasting Notes
Subtle and complex aromas of dried flowers, berries, blackberries and black olives. Minerals, limestone and rust to boot. Full-bodied, layered and tannic, yet the phenolic structure is all about strength with finesse. It lasts a very long time. The new classic from here... 1961 all over? Try in 2024 and behold.
Critic Scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Trotte Vieille is blend of 49% Merlot, 49% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon picked between 28 September and 9 October matured in 100% new oak. It has a very intense bouquet, tightly wound with red and black fruit, hints of truffle coming through with aeration and then it appears to calm down and achieve a wonderful level of definition. The palate is medium-bodied with superb clarity. It feels supple in the mouth, extremely pure and soaking up the new oak with ease. It has a lively orange sorbet and red fruit-driven finish that is silky smooth in texture, thanks to the fineness of the tannin. Cellar this for 5-8 years minimum and then revel in this ascendant Saint Emilion for the next three or four decades.
The freshness and bright profile stand out, with red currant, pomegranate and blood orange notes that are atypical for the vintage. Pretty savory and floral details fill in and the finish has a fine chalky spine. Shows very little extraction. Mar 2016, James Molesworth, www.WineSpectator.com
At the riper end of the spectrum, it must be said (the Merlots came in at 15%, apparently) but the high percentage of Cabernet Franc gives the wine balanced, freshness and zip. Leafy, complex and built to last, this is a very impressive Trottevielle. Apr 2016, www.timatkin.com, Drink: 2022-2035
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About the producer
Owned by the Castéja family (of Ch. Batailley), this estate is home to some of the region’s oldest Cabernet Franc vines – with some pre-phylloxera plantings that are over 150 years old.