Chateau Trotanoy 2012

WEINWISSER: "Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Kandisnoten, dunkles Malz, Black Currant, Cassis und Brombeeren, darunter jede Menge schwarze Edelhölzer, etwas Nelkenköpfe und Périgord-Trüffel, zeigt somit eine spannende Tiefe an. Genialer Gaumenfluss, dicht und charmant zugleich, hochfeine, ganz reife Tannine, die sich zu einer royalen Adstringenz formen, in der Mitte faszinierende, fast orientalische Gewürznoten, Kardamom, Datteln, Feigenextrakt, im Finale dann wieder viel schwarzbeeriges Konzentrat und verschwenderisch viel Lakritze. Ein ganz grosser Trotanoy, der als feminine Variante in die Geschichte eingehen wird. Das könnte einer der ganz wenigen 2012er sein, die in der vollen Reife 20 Punkte erreichen! – P.S.: Zum Lunch servierte Christian Moueix (die besten Pommes Frites der ganzen Reise, aus Agatha- Kartoffeln gemacht!) den Trotanoy 2000. Vielleicht kommt der so wie der legendäre 1961. Und der 2012 dann in einem Jahrzehnt auch wie der 2000er. Und so weiter."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "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 élan and no more, no less than a fabulous Trotanoy. Tasted January 2016." Drink: 2022 - 2050. - Neal Martin.

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Truffle, espresso, dark chocolate and ripe plums garner your attention initially. But it’s the juicy, sweet, ripe, black fruits that feel like they were polished with velvet cloths, before they were turned into wine that makes you take a step back. The sensuous, polished finish is fresh, pure, long and silky."

WINE SPECTATOR: "This combines serious fruit and grip with a torrent of blackberry, raspberry and boysenberry pâte de fruit notes, liberally laced with smoldering charcoal and tobacco accents. The long, loamy edge drives the finish, along with hints of bay and warm stones, while the fruit pours through. A very serious effort for the vintage. Best from 2018 through 2032. 1,341 cases made."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Tasted blind. Wonderfully polished dark crimson. Sweet succulent start and lots of gorgeousness. Sinewy, juicy, full of life. Transparent rather than concentrated. Lovely balance."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Dense and complex, this powerful wine has impressive tannins and a solid structure. It does hold plenty of fruit, although at this stage you need to search for it. The character now is dark, dense and remote. It needs many years to bring out the rich black fruits and fresher acidity. Drink from 2024."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A red with dried strawberries, chocolate and hints of dried tomatoes. Full body, dense palate and a velvety tannin texture. Surprisingly rich and ripe for the vintage. Better in 2017."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat. In der Nase eine sehr schöne konzentrierte dunkle Frucht. Am Gaumen süße rote Frucht, dicht, zeigt Fülle, samtige Tannine, erdig-mineralische Noten, langer Abgang, einfach gesagt: sehr Pomerol"