A deeply elegant and evolving Pomerol, showing a refined bouquet of red berries, truffle, and iron notes. Medium-bodied with fine tannins, beautiful acidity, and a long, precise finish. With richness, structure, and signature Pomerol depth, this vintage is maturing gracefully—now offering great pleasure and built to age further. A sophisticated and standout expression from the vintage.

The Wine Advocate | RP 96
Published: Oct 28, 2016
Drink: 2022-2050

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.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 92
Published: Feb 8, 2015

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. 

Decanter | D 95
Published: Nov 16, 2020

The texture is more ripped and solidly built than the other wines in the vertical from this vintage, with gorgeous juice and powerful dark fruits. Plenty of Pomerol signature, offering great pleasure for drinking now and over the next decade. Drinking Window: 2021 - 2040

Winemaker

Purchased by Jean-Pierre Moueix in 1953, Chateau Trotanoy has been considered one of the premier crus of Pomerol since the end of the eighteenth century. The soil of Ch?teau Trotanoy is a very dense mixture of clay and gravel which tends to solidify as it dries out after rain to an almost concrete-like hardness, hence the name 'Trotanoy,' or, in other words, 'too wearisome' to cultivate. 

The Trotanoy vineyard slopes gently to the west. The soil at the highest point of exposure contains a good proportion of gravel, becoming progressively more dominated by clay as the elevation declines. Under this clay is a subsoil of red gravel and an impermeable layer of hard, iron-rich soil known as ?crasse de fer.? This fascinating soil diversity brings power, depth and complexity to the wine. Trotanoy is vinified in small concrete vats, while aging takes place in oak barrels.

Trotanoy is a naturally profound, complex, richly-concentrated wine with outstanding aging potential. The wine possesses a deep color and a dense, powerful nose, repeated on the palate with the addition of creamy, dark chocolate notes, and a singular concentration of flavor owed to its very old vines.