2021 Chateau Trotte Vieille - St. Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classe

Decanter.com – 94 pts – GH: *A bright pink rim to the wine with beautiful florality as well as sweet red and black cherry notes on the nose - so expressive. Succulent and sharp, this is piercing at first, gorgeous crystalline cherry flavours that then settle quite a lot to reveal the chalky, crushed stone minerality that coats the tongue and cheeks with the spice from the Cabernet Franc coming through - clove, cedar, tobacco, dark chocolate - a bitterness to counter the sharp fruit. I like the mouthfeel, the tannins are softly plush and so integrated giving excellent structure and support. The darker more savoury elements take over towards the finish but this has good typicity and freshness. A serious take on the vintage with impressive detail, broad shoulders, well-wrapped tannins, a deft touch of oak and a core of juicy fruit. Sure to have a long life ahead.* - 04/2022

The Wine Advocate – (92-94) pts – WK: *The first vintage made in the estate's new winery, the 2021 Trotte Vieille has turned out beautifully, offering up aromas of sweet berries and cherries mingled with burning embers, rose petals and raw cocoa. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and polished, it's impressively deep and serious. It's a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon.*

Vinum Magazin – 18/20 pts: *Zurückhaltende Ausbauwürze; saftig schon im Auftakt, grosse Rasse und Frische, Klassetannin, langer, fruchtiger Ausklang; hervorragender Wein, der lange reifen kann.*

JancisRobinson.com – 16/20pts – JR: *54% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Mid ruby. Blueberries and light soy on the nose. Very silky on entry, with a fine purity of blue and red fruits and gentle but persistent tannins. Vibrant acids cut through on the finish, tempering the sweeter spices and fruit.* - 11/2023

quarin.com – 95 pts - JMQ: * Couleur sombre et intense. Nez très aromatique, fin, fruité et subtil. Délicat en entrée de bouche, avec un toucher plutôt gras dans le déroulé, le vin caresse le palais, juteux et brillant dans sa définition aromatique. Il s'achève long, noble, sur une texture minutieuse. Ensemble plus précis que jamais, réalisé dans le nouveau cuvier organisé en tous petits contenants de 25 à 75 hl. Vignoble non touché ni par le gel, ni par le mildiou. Assemblage : 54% cabernet franc, 45% merlot, 1% cabernet sauvignon. Degré d'alcool: 14° - pH: 3,6. Rendement: 38 hl/ha.*

James Suckling – (94-95) pts: *This is very tangy and bright with real cabernet franc character, showing currant, orange and fresh-herb notes. Medium body with wonderful energy and acidity. Fine tannins. Racy and juicy. 54% cabernet franc, 45% merlot, and 1% cabernet sauvignon.*

Vinous.com – (93-95) pts – NM: *The 2021 TrotteVieille is the first vintage vinified in the new facility, using 25vats for 11,5 hectares that Frederic Castéja told me allowed them more flexibility to pick exactly when they wanted. Matured entirely in new oak plus a couple of amphorae, it has a very detailed bouquet of blackberry, raspberry and a hint of licorice and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, certainly more detailed than previous vintages, and quite saline in the mouth, with a persistent finish. Classic in style, it has the tension to repay long-term cellaring. It may well end up at the top of my banded score.*

Thewinecellarinsider.com – (95-97) pts – JL: *Deeply colored, you find flowers, cedar, forest leaf, espresso and dark red fruits. The palate offers richness, freshness, opulent tannins, and purity in the fruits. Elegant, bright and supple, the finish lingers and builds on your palate. The wine blends 54% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14% ABV. The harvest took place September 27 October 14. This is the first vintage made in the new cellars, which allows for parcel by parcel vinification. Drink from 2025-2055.* - 05/2022