Trotte Vieille 2016 (750ML)

98 JS / 97 DE / 95 WI / 95 WE

Complex aromas of blackberries, dried flowers and other dark fruit. Shows hints of cedar and blackberries. Full-bodied, dense and wonderfully integrated with rich tannins that just melt into the wine. Extremely fine and focused finish. Shows harmony and balance. Better after 2024. - James Suckling

Run by Philippe Castéja, CEO of his family négociant house Borie-Manoux who bought the estate in 1947. An unusually large proportion of the 12ha vineyard, on the limestone plateau, is planted to Cabernet Franc – in 2016 the blend was 53%, with 45% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new oak. Georgie Hindle: Supple and focused, this has great energy. Juicy, firm tannins with high acidity and fresh fruit, precision and clarity, and really easy to drink. I love the salty mineral edge on the finish. Vincenzo Arnese: Elegant nose of fresh plum and bramble. Rich, intense and structured, refined with smooth tannins and good acidity. Arthur Coggill: Vibrant dark cherry and silk nose. Tightly wound. The palate is gentle and supple with red berry and crunchy acidity. Generous raspberry leaf and bilberry. The flavours go on and on. - GH, Decanter

The 2016 Trotte Vieille has a deep garnet color. It strolls out with vivacious notes of black cherries and stewed black plums, followed by hints of licorice, crushed rocks, and garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bright and refreshing, delivering plush tannins to the layers of pure black fruits, finishing on a mineral note. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

Smoky, woody aromas still show in this young wine. It has plenty of elegance as well, showing its pedigree with restrained fruitiness that will develop slowly. This balanced wine will be ready to drink from 2025. — Roger Voss