Château Trotanoy, Pomerol 0.75 2012

Region : Bordeaux       Château Trotanoy, archaically Trop Ennuie, is a Bordeaux wine from the appellation Pomerol. The winery is located on the Right Bank of the Bordeaux wine region, in the commune of Pomerol in the department Gironde. As all wine produced in this appellation, Château Trotanoy is unclassified, but the estate is estimated among the great growths of the region.  The vineyard area extends 7.2 hectares with the grape varieties of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The fascinating soil diversity - half gravel mixed with clay and half deep black clay - with the presence of “machefer” or iron pan in the subsoil, brings power and depth as well as complexity to the wine. Château Trotanoy’s vineyard was one of the few not to freeze in 1956, and today it is composed of very old vines, the average being close to 35 years. As for other Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix estates, the work done in the vineyard is fastidious - severe pruning in the winter, regular ploughing, crop-thinning, de-leafing, manicuring the clusters in the summer - and allows a perfect ripening of the fruit. The must is vinified in small concrete vats and the young wine matures in 50% new oak barrels for about 18 months. When ready, this wine shows enormous complexity and concentration and belongs to the most sought-after Pomerols. It can easily be kept 25 years or more in great vintages. The annual production averages 25,000 bottles of the Grand vin Château Trotanoy.       Grape varieties : Merlot & Cabernet Franc       Tasting notes :        Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 Trotanoy is clearly blossoming in bottle. Over almost 20 years of tasting out of barrel, I cannot recall a Trotanoy that has so surpassed its showing at en primeur. It has a well-defined bouquet that initially seems straightforward. Don't be fooled...it opens in the glass and reveals subtle red berry fruit, truffle and ferrous aromas. There is stunning definition and poise here. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin. There is a core of wonderful Cabernet Franc here, the acidity extremely well judged with a precise, sustained finish. This is a sophisticated Pomerol with lan and no more, no less than a fabulous Trotanoy. Tasted January 2016. Neal Martin - 28/10/2016

France