Trotanoy 1998 Case (1.5Lx6)

100 JD / 99 WA / 98 WCI / 97 VM / 97 DE / 97 WS / 18.5 JR

Just pure gold in Pomerol, the 1998 offers a still youthful color as well as a heavenly nose of ripe red, black, and blue fruits intermixed with notes of flowers, truffly earth, and cedarwood. The purity of fruit as well as elegance paired with power is just about off the charts, and it's full-bodied, with perfectly integrated tannins, flawless balance, and a finish that won't quit. One of the finest Pomerols to pass my lips, it's firmly in its prime drink window, but I wouldn't be surprised to see this evolve for another 20 years or more.-Jeb Dunnuck

The 1998 Trotanoy displays a deep garnet-purple color. Wow. Tons of gregarious fruit springs from the glass—crème de cassis, blackberry pie, blueberry compote and mincemeat with suggestions of cigar box, chargrilled meat, incense, earth and dried cherries plus a touch of dried flowers. Medium to full-bodied, it coats the palate with bags of rich, plush textured fruit, offering layer upon layer of exotic spice and savory flavors, finishing epically long and layered. This is mind-blowingly delicious!-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate

This is getting close to mature. It only took 26 years. But it was worth the wait. The wine is regal, plush, opulent, and intense with layers of perfectly ripe, powerful, strong black and red fruits, truffles the size of footballs, a bowl of Valrhona chocolate, and an orchard of ripe berries. The wine is palate-staining with its non-stop intensity. This is a muscular Pomerol with a refined edge that offers a thrilling tasting experience. In another decade, this could be a triple-digit wine. My instincts say it is highly possible. Drink from 2024-2050.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider

(95% merlot and 5% cabernet franc; 3.72 pH; IPT 71; 13.5% alcohol): Bright ruby-red with a hint of garnet at the rim. Knockout deep, nuanced nose of blackcurrant, red cherry, violets and truffle. Supple, broad and full in the mouth, with smoky blackberry, caramel and spicy pepper flavors. The finish is long and silky, with ultrasmooth tannins and a lingering mineral note. This impeccably balanced wine is utterly irresistible already. "An exceptional wine and one of the best examples of Trotanoy ever," according to Jean-Claude Berrouet. I couldn't agree more.-Ian D'Agata, Vinous Media

It was a real pleasure to try Trotanoy at 21 years old. The nose here majors on cloves and black pepper spices, and you can feel the richness of a vintage that was perfectly suited to the early-ripening soils of Pomerol (which means it was pretty perfect weather until October 1, when it began to rain and didn't let up - something that caused issues for Cabernet Sauvignon but less so for Merlot over in this corner of the region). The tannins and black fruits are still going strong although this is definitely showing some evolution. The acidity is fairly present, as are black truffle and olive notes, alongside some more gentle crushed autumn leaves. As it opens in the glass the wine starts to feel elastic, with its muscles stretching out, but it still needs a good few hours decanting if you’e looking to open this soon.-Jane Anson, Decanter

Very sweet, plummy fruit on the nose, with hints of milk chocolate and spices. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a big, juicy palate. A subtle wine that builds on the palate. It's sort of like a weight-lifting ballerina. Give this big wine time. Really impressive.-Wine Spectator

Very deep crimson with no development. Inky, mid intensity.though quite spicy and interesting in a low key. Quite sweet, lots of tannins, but quite appetising enough. Quite young but with lots ahead of it. Power without sacrifice of terroir. Long.-Jancis Robinson