Château
TrotteVieillediscover the wine

James Suckling 96-97

A really classy, beautiful red with seduction and force at the finish. Aromas and flavors of currants, wet earth and truffles, as well as mushrooms. Full bodied, tight and tannic. Toned and steely. A new, traditional style. 49% cabernet franc, 48% merlot and 3% cabernet sauvignon.

Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 95-97

Barrel Sample. This is going to be a great vintage for this Premier Grand Cru Classé estate. The tannins give it a dry core, lending a serious character to the wine’s black currant flavors. It shows great aging potential.

Markus Del Monego MW 97

Deep purple colour with violet hue and black core. Expressive nose with distinct aroma reminiscent of graphite and hints of cold smoke, very ripe fruit, sweet elderberries, blackberries and ripe plums. Finex toasting aroma and elegant spiciness in the background. On the palate well structured and balanced with ripe tannins, fine acidity adding freshness, aromatic depth with flavour reminiscent of dark berries and cherries, elegant toasting flavour and hints of dark chocolate in the finish. Excellent length.

Janes Anson Decanter 95

Blackberry, raspberry and cappuccino-laced liquorice notes on the attack. As ever with Trotte Vieille there is clear and present austerity that comes through as chalky tannins and fresh acidities that scrape through the finish along slate walls adding a kick of salinity. Takes its time to open and is really one you need to sit with. As it relaxes in the glass the peony and iris floral notes become clear, showcasing the Cabernet Franc in the wine, with smoked coffee beans ensuring a gourmet edge. Good stuff.

Jeff Leve 94-96

Dark garnet in hue, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated and intense. The unique sensation of minerality is on full display here with all its rocks, stones and oceanic character. The fruit is vibrant, round, sweet, long and clean. Everything is in harmony here. The complex aromatic’s along with the richly textured, concentrated mouthfeel, silky tannins and long finish is just great. Give it 7-9 years of aging before pulling a cork and enjoy it over the next 20 years or so. Made from a blend of 49% Cabernet Franc, 48% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. 

James Suckling 98-99

Wow. This really sends a tingle down my spine. Love the energy and length to this. Very distinguished. Full-bodied yet tight, polished and compressed. It has a great finish. Exciting. Really.

Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 95-97

Barrel Sample. A light touch has come into this typically serious wine. The bright acidity and forward black currant fruits lift the tannins and spice. It has delicious freshness and concentration that will allow the wine to develop well.

Lisa Perroti-Brown Robert Parker 91-93

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Trotte Vieille leaps from the glass with vivacious scents of baked red plums, black raspberries and prunes with underlying scents of dried herbs, fallen leaves, dusty soil and tobacco. Full-bodied with a firm line of chewy tannins, it delivers a lot of stewed fruits on the mid-palate with a slightly warm finish.

Julia Harding MW Jancis Robinson 16

54% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon; 100% new oak. Barrel sample.
Black-hearted with a purple rim. Charry, toasty blackcurrant. Very oaky on the nose for now. But has a lively freshness on the palate, and the tannins are compact but not thick. Dark and a little rocky/dusty in a good way. There’s lively fruit but a little disjointed for now. 

Julia Harding MW Jancis Robinson 16

Deep crimson. Not giving away much on the nose, dark and rather stony. On the palate, powdery and dry tannins. A little bit lacking in fruit in the middle but it has length and refinement to the texture.

Lisa Perroti-Brown Robert Parker 94

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Trotte Vieille gives up notes of baked plums, stewed black cherries and dried mulberries with touches of spice cake, chocolate box and new leather with a waft of cedar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has great density and weight with a firm level of rounded tannins and lovely freshness, finishing on a compelling mineral note.

Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 95

This spicy wine with hints of wood aging and a direct line of black fruits is in a classic style. It is about balance, fruitiness and acidity combining in an harmonious whole. The wine will age well.

James Suckling 96

Wonderfully perfumed with decadence and richness, showing crushed berries, fresh flowers, wet earth, orange peel and peaches. Mushrooms, too. Full-bodied, yet very tight and reserved with ultra-fine yet strong tannins. It goes on for minutes on the palate, giving a balanced and beautiful feel all along the way. A blend of 56% cabernet franc, 43% merlot and 1% cabernet sauvignon.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator

A sassafras note leads the way, followed by gently mulled plum, raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors. Soft and rounded in feel, with a flash of black tea on the finish. Feels as if it has lost some energy. Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Jancis Robinson 17

Bright crimson. Very aromatic and almost leafy though not herbaceous or green. Nicely composed and not forced. One of the juiciest of these 2016 St-Emilions. Not particularly sweet, just nicely judged oak and savoury fruit. Medium alcohol. The Castéjas are doing a good job here!

Neal Martin Robert Parker 93-95

The 2016 Trottevieille is a blend of 45% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 53% Cabernet Franc picked on 6 October for the Merlot and 18 October for the Cabernets, one of the latest in recent years. The yield was 37 hectoliters per hectare, and it is matured entirely in new oak. The bouquet is quite intense, although personally I would have employed less new oak. However, it does open up nicely in the glass and imparts nuances such as orange blossom and incense aromas with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, well judged acidity, and here I feel the oak is simpatico with the fruit. It has a lovely grainy texture, great depth and maintains precision all the way through to the finish. This is a strong follow-up to the 2015 Trottevieille although it will require several years in bottle to subsume the oak.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator 92

Mar 31, 2019. This has a well-built core of loganberry, plum and black cherry preserve flavors infused with savory and tobacco nuances. The finish is lightly dusty but refined, with a subtle iron twinge filtering in. Not quite as much range or drive as the top examples, but pretty.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator 92-95

May 11, 2017. A lovely sanguine hint weaves through a mix of damson plum, bitter cherry, singed apple wood and dried anise notes, with good energy through the slightly hefty finish. 2,000 cases made.

James Suckling 98

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.

Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 95

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 Wine Enthusiast 95-97

Barrel Sample. This estate is now in its stride, losing the austerity of the past and going for a more generous interpretation of its vineyard sites. The wine is both fruity and structured, dense in flavor, but with surprising elegance. It will age well.

James Suckling 99

Subtle and complex aromas of dried flowers, berries, blackberries and black olives. Minerals, limestone and rust to boot. Full-bodied, layered and tannic, yet the phenolic structure is all about strength with finesse. It lasts a very long time. The new classic from here… 1961 all over? Try in 2024 and behold.

Neal Martin Robert Parker 94-96

The 2015 Trottevieille is blend of 49% Merlot, 49% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon picked between 28 September and 9 October matured in 100% new oak. It has a very intense bouquet, tightly wound with red and black fruit, hints of truffle coming through with aeration and then it appears to calm down and achieve a wonderful level of definition. The palate is medium-bodied with superb clarity. It feels supple in the mouth, extremely pure and soaking up the new oak with ease. It has a lively orange sorbet and red fruit-driven finish that is silky smooth in texture, thanks to the fineness of the tannin. Cellar this for 5-8 years minimum and then revel in this ascendant Saint Emilion for the next three or four decades.

Jancis Robinson 16,5+

9% Cabernet Franc, 49% Merlot.
Quite rich and sweet. Still a bit edgy. Lacks real intensity but it certainly isn’t overdone. Sinewy rather than flattering.

Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 96

This estate always produces serious wines, but with this vintage it has added a layer of sumptuous fruit that enhances the complex, dark profile. A strong texture and concentrated tannins are balanced by the juicy black-currant flavors and powerful aftertaste. 

Decanter 95

René Gabriel 18

James Molesworth Wine Spectator 93

Solidly built, if a bit stolid, offering notes of singed juniper, cedar and tobacco and flavors of dried red currant, bitter plum and blood orange coulis. A chalky mineral edge gives the finish cut and tension, though there is a slight twinge of austerity at the end. A bit on the old-school side, but a strong showing, as this has put on weight since the barrel tasting.

Richard Hemming MW Jancis Robinson 17+

Lovely floral quality and savoury black fruit with a dark chocolate character on the finish. Less forceful than, say, Troplong Mondot, but equally layered. Tasty soy character on the finish.

Neal Martin Robert Parker 91-93

Matured in 100% new oak, the Château Trottevieille 2014 is a blend of 40% Merlot, 58% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon cropped at 25 hectoliters per hectare. It was picked between 3 and 10 October. The oak is nicely folded into the blackberry, cedar and mint aromas on the nose, just a touch of kirsch with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite succulent in the mouth but finely structured with impressive symmetry. I would agree with Philippe Castéja, there is length here and the Cabernet Franc really excels in this oft-underrated Saint Emilion that has upped its game. Compared to the wines produced just a decade ago, this 2014 is in a different league. It’s time to take notice.

Wine Spectator 92

Alluring smoldering tobacco and light chalky threads weave from start to finish in this refined red, with supple cherry, plum and blackberry coulis flavors streaming along. The long, suave finish lets everything hang harmoniously.

James Suckling 96

Very complex aromas of crushed raspberries, blackberries, leaves and dried flowers. Full body, a dense center palate and powerful tannins that nonetheless remain ripe and polished. Great length. Superb bottle. Give it some time to show its true brilliance. 

René Gabriel 18

Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 93-95

Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 92

In this wine, the structure is supported by ripe fruits that push forward through the dense tannins. Spice and wood flavors will both integrate as it develops. The black-currant fruit at the end holds good promise for the future.

Neal Martin Robert Parker

The 2013 Trottevieille has a light, slightly earthy, woodland-scented bouquet with fine definition. It might lack a bit of vigor, but there is charm here and a sense of personality. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp and perhaps slightly obtrusive tannin that should be abraded down with time. This Saint Emilion is nicely balanced, nonchalant and carefree with a smudged cherry and redcurrant finish. This is perfectly satisfying for the vintage and should give up to a decade’s worth of drinking pleasure.

Richard Hemming Jancis Robinson 16,5

Dark fruit-cake style on the nose – dense and raisined. Tip-top freshness on the palate, all very nicely made – just doesn’t deliver the flavour range of a great vintage, understandably. A good example of the modesty of 2013. (RH)

Jancis Robinson 17

Tasted blind. Dark crimson. Round and rich with good balance and real glamour. Some careful extraction and good results. Less aggressive than many.

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker 90-93

The 2012 is a full-bodied, impressively endowed, dense ruby/purple-colored effort exhibiting a flowery, black fruited set of aromatics, medium to full-bodied flavors, well-integrated spicy, toasty oak and an endearing texture as well as length. It should be cellared for 3-5 years and consumed over the following 15+ years. Better than proprietor Philippe Casteja’s 2010 (a far greater vintage than 2012), this is a super-strong effort from this estate. Trottevieille includes a large portion of Cabernet Franc in the blend, and this terroir is sensational, although perhaps under-exploited. This cuvee achieved 13.5% natural alcohol. The final blend of 49% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon was somewhat unusual for a St.-Emilion

James Molesworth Wine Spectator 90

A touch old-school in feel, with light licorice root and mesquite notes framing the core, this is supple and refined, showing alluring plum, anise and black cherry accents. Light tobacco hints appear in the background, balanced by fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2023. 2,000 cases made.

James Suckling 93

Such purity of fruit to this wine with plum, currant and berry character. Solid core of fruit and fine tannins. Full and balanced. Very successful for the vintage.

Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 90

Barrel sample. Herbal notes mark this aromatic wine that’s intense with black-currant acidity and juicy fresh-fruit flavors.

René Gabriel 18

Decanter 90

Revue du Vin de France 18-18.5

Jacques Dupont 17

Bettane et Desseauve 17.5

Richard Hemming Jancis Robinson 17

Smoky but not overdone. Richness with elegance. Seamless and without a single blemish. Perhaps not for funkaholics, but if you want well-crafted modern St-Émilion, this is it. (RH)

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker 90+

A serious effort, the 2011 Trottevieille boasts an inky/purple color as well as a tannic, masculine style that begs for some bottle age. Impressively concentrated with notes of licorice, black currants and a subtle touch of oak, and a powerful, long finish, this is a noteworthy effort in a challenging vintage. Forget it for 2-3 years and drink it over the following two decades. It is made by consultants Denis Dubourdieu and Gilles Pauquet.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator 90

Nicely rendered, with singed sandalwood and dark tea notes running along the edges, while flavors of plum sauce and red currant preserves fill out the core. Lightly briary tannins and a hint of cedar lend a lightly firm edge, but this stays fine-grained overall.

James Suckling 92

This shows a very serious concentration of blackberry and mineral character. Full body, silky tannins and a bright finish. Pretty balance. Better after 2017.

Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 93

Dark tannins dominate in this wine that has an austere side. The fruit under this dark structure is full of juicy black fruit flavors. The combination of the powerful texture and the ripe fruit has produced one of the best vintages from this chateau for many years. Drink from 2018.

René Gabriel 17

Decanter 91

Jacques Dupont 16.5

Revue du Vin de France 16-17

Bettane et Desseauve 17

Richard Hemming MW Jancis Robinson 17

Chocolate, cherry, liquorice, some earthy and flinty notes too. Fruit first and foremost, but well developed complexity too.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown Robert Parker 91

Composed of 58% Cabernet Franc and 42% Merlot, the 2010 Trotte Vieille is deep garnet in color and starts off with some sweaty leather notions on the nose, giving way to a core of baked black plums, dried mulberries and fruitcake plus wafts of fallen leaves and tobacco. Full-bodied, the palate has a taut line of chewy tannins and oodles of freshness supporting the baked berry layers, finishing long and earthy.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator 91

Dark and ripe, but nicely polished, with a dark tea and roasted cedar frame to the currant paste and fig notes. The solid finish is well-coated with ganache and smolders nicely with a lingering tobacco hint that should emerge steadily in this slightly old-school version.

James Suckling 95

This is full and rich with a pretty depth of fruit and lovely vanilla and berry character. Turns silky yet very structured. Long and intense. Can’t make up my mind which is better, 2009 or 2010? Better after 2016.

Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 93

An extracted wine, showing bitter chocolate as much as fruit. There is a core of dark tannins, very firm, with licorice, wood and a tight texture. Often Trottevieille shows this austerity when young, and this 2010 is no exception. It will develop slowly into a serious and concentrated wine.

René Gabriel 17

Decanter 90

Chris Kissack 15-16

Jacques Dupont 17

Jacques Perrin 91-93

Jancis Robinson 17

Fresh and tense and super crisp and clean on the nose. Lots of juicy fruit. Peppery and interesting. Very nice whole. (A very good Trottevieille.)

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker 91-93+

Probably the best St.-Emilion proprietor Philippe Casteja has ever made, this property was very badly hail-damaged, thus the yields were tiny. There is a lot of structure to this wine, but behind it is massive fruit and loads of truffle, white chocolate, earth, and barrique. Full-bodied and opaque purple in color, it is a wine requiring some patience, but if the tannins melt further, look for an even higher rating. This wine will need to be forgotten for at least five years and drunk over the following 30+. Too bad there isn’t much of it in 2009. (Tasted two times.)

James Molesworth Wine Spectator 90-93

A solid red with spice, raspberry and coffee bean character on the nose and palate. Full and chewy, but silky and delicious. Much less production because of the hail in May, but they did well. 700 cases made.

James Suckling 95

Aromas of blueberries, with fresh flowers and sandalwood. Full body, with lots of wonderful ripe fruit and silky tannins. It goes on for a long time at the finish. Best ever from here.

Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 94-96

Barrel sample. A wine with wonderful concentration, smooth, spiced fruit, the richness lifted by acidity. The wine is dense, compact, a great waft of sweet final fruits.

Decanter 17.5

Jacques Perrin 90-92

Jacques Dupont 17

Revue du Vin de France 16-17

Chris Kissack 16.5-17.5+

René Gabriel 18

Richard Hemming Jancis Robinson 17

Generous, almost jammy style of fruit on the nose. Then a leafy element on the palate, which gives a herbal contrast to the ripe fruit. Very fine-grained tannins, medium body, moderate length. Solid if not wowing.

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker 90-93

Like the other estates of proprietor Philippe Casteja, there has been a dramatic increase in quality at this property over the last 7-8 years. The 2008 exhibits a dense purple color along with a sweet perfume of black fruits, spring flowers, licorice, and a hint of earth. Medium to full-bodied and pure with a beautiful texture, good acidity, and high levels of sweet tannin, it will require 2-4 years of cellaring, and should drink well for two decades or more.

Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 92-94

Barrel sample. A serious, but elegant wine. It has structure, but that is put in second place to the fresh black plum and dried fig fruits. Lively acidity to give the wine an extra freshness.

James Suckling 93

This is decadent and rich, with foie gras and dried cherries. Full-bodied, round and sexy. Grilled toast with butter, too. Why wait? Half merlot, almost half cabernet franc and a touch of cabernet sauvignon.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator

A focused, traditional style, with a frame of lightly roasted cedar and vanilla around the core of medium-weight plum, black cherry and currant. The stylish finish lets a sanguine hint add length. 

René Gabriel 17

Chris Kissack 16-17+

Revue du Vin de France 16-17

Jacques Dupont 16.5

Jacques Perrin 90-92

Bettane et Desseauve 17

Bernard Burtschy 92

Grand Jury Européen 91

Julia Harding MW Jancis Robinson 16

62% Cabernet Franc (more than usual), plus mainly Merlot and a little Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromatic, juicy and fresh. Succulent and lingers well even though it is quite delicate. Fine, well-integrated tannins. (JH)

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker

Chocolaty, smoky, earthy notes jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine. Seriously endowed with moderate tannin, beautiful elegance and freshness, and a nicely layered mouthfeel.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator

Shows berry and floral aromas, with hints of leaves. Medium-bodied, offering a solid core of fruit. This has refined tannins and a silky finish. Best after 2011. 2,500 cases made. 

Revue du Vin de France 15-16

Jacques Dupont 16.5

René Gabriel 17

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker 89-91

Proprietor Philippe Casteja has significantly increased the quality of this St.-Emilion estate over recent vintages. While the 2006 does not hit the heights of the 2005, it has turned out well, offering a seductive combination of smoky black cherry fruit intermixed with licorice, pain grille, earth, and spice. It possesses supple tannin, medium body, lovely fruit, and no hard edges.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator 90

Raspberry and black cherry aromas on the nose follow through to a full body, with a lovely silky tannin structure. Long and beautiful. Very balanced. Pretty Cabernet Franc character comes through on the palate. Well done for the vintage. Best after 2012. 3,000 cases made.

Wine Enthusiast 93

This wine appears to mark a departure from Trottevieille’s normally strict style, showing more opulence, new wood and ripeness. There is still a touch of austerity initially, but from that point, the wine opens out with a great burst of fresh blackberry jelly and stylish texture.

James Suckling 94

This is really decadent with black truffles, blackberries, blueberries and mushrooms. Full body, round and velvety tannins and a rich and delicious finish. So beautiful, warm and inviting. Makes you want to contemplate. 

René Gabriel 18

Jacques Dupont 16.5

Jancis Robinson 15,5

Jancis Robinson 17

Magnum. Mid lively crimson with a ruby rim. An initial inspection of the base of the bottle shows no sign of sediment. Reticent nose of ripe fruit and some charcoal. Some fine tannin and quite a bit of acidity. This is still quite tightly wound so I shall decant it before serving in three to four hours’ time. More classic than anything OTT right banky. But not that exuberant. I will try to come back and add my impressions of it later – and possibly re-score it. Later: This relaxed and opened out to be really rather charming – though arguably with more obvious Cabernet than Merlot, so I upgraded it from 16.5+ to 17!

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker 93

Proprietor Philippe Casteja has significantly increased the quality of this St.-Emilion estate over recent vintages. While the 2006 does not hit the heights of the 2005, it has turned out well, offering a seductive combination of smoky black cherry fruit intermixed with licorice, pain grille, earth, and spice. It possesses supple tannin, medium body, lovely fruit, and no hard edges.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator 92

Aromas of licorice, lavender, violet and mineral follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a coffee, berry and light toasty oak aftertaste. Balanced and refined. Best after 2011. 2,830 cases made.

Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 93

This sleeping beauty of a chateau is showing signs of awakening. With its great terroir, it deserves to make wine like this 2005, dense, perfumed, very ripe, powered with sweet, purple fruit and juicy flavors. It will develop relatively quickly, but then should age over many years.

Jacques Dupont 18

René Gabriel 19

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker 90-92

Proprietor Philippe Casteja has been making better and better wines from this well-situated estate’s old vines. The deep ruby/purple-hued 2004 exhibits sweet aromas of toasty new oak, melted licorice, black raspberries, and creme de cassis, a lovely texture, excellent purity, and a long, moderately tannic finish. It should be at its finest between 2009-2020.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator

Chocolate, berry and citrus on the nose. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a fresh, clean aftertaste. Not overdone, but lacks a bit of concentration.

Jancis Robinson 15,5

Deep crimson. Hint of barnyard aromas. Very sweet and Merlot dominated. Round and juicy on the palate with fairly light tannins. A good early drink, though without much depth.

Jacques Dupont 16.5

René Gabriel 19

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker 90-92

This gets my vote as the finest Trotte Vielle made in many years. Certainly proprietor Philippe Casteja has been making serious efforts to upgrade the quality, implementing a stricter selection, malolactic in barrel, and fewer manipulations in the cellars. The 2003, an admirable effort, boasts a saturated dense ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of chocolate intermixed with black currants, cherries, spice box, and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied, with wonderful sweetness because of more elevated glycerin (higher alcohol), it possesses seamlessness, suppleness, and a hedonistic as well as intellectual style. Impressive!

James Suckling 93

This is an underrated red from the hot 2003 Bordeaux vintage. It now shows lots of shaved-chocolate, walnut, cedar and currant aromas with hints of iron. Full body, very velvety tannins and a long, intense finish. Shows a complex palate of chocolate and ripe plum.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator

Soft and round with plum and meat character. Full-bodied, with caressing tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Supple wine.

Jancis Robinson 16,5

Dark crimson. Some lift – reasonably distinctive. Well balanced!!!! Good vivacity of fruit then tannins, well melded together. No concessions to sweetness but the tannins are appetising rather than unpleasant. This should drink well eventually.

Jean-Marc Quarin 16.5

Jacques Dupont 17.5

René Gabriel 18

Robert M. Parker, Jr. 88-91

The 2002 possesses a saturated dense ruby/purple color in addition to sweet aromas of smoky oak intermixed with hints of espresso, black fruits, and chocolate. Although it does not exhibit a lot of expression, it is muscular, strong, somewhat oaky, and medium-bodied with moderate tannin in the finish. There is no doubt that proprietor Philippe Casteja is trying to improve the performance of this St.-Emilion, which frequently lags behind some of its peers. Two of the region’s finest oenologists, Denis Dubourdieu and Gilles Pauquet, are assisting at this estate. There is malolactic in barrel as well as lower yields.

Jancis Robinson 16,5

Rich, velvety with a hint of ink. Juicy fruit on the palate. A relatively easy wine with very fine chalky tannins on the finish. User friendly texture but it should last reasonably well. Full, sweet, a little dry on the finish. Lip smacking.

René Gabriel 17

René Gabriel 18, James Molesworth Wine Spectator

Refined and balanced, with berry and mineral character, medium body and a silky finish. Tight yet balanced.

Robert M. Parker, Jr. 90

The terrific 2001 appears to be slightly superior to the potentially outstanding 2000. A deep plum/ruby color is accompanied by a delectable bouquet of melted licorice, black currants, smoke, and a notion of chocolate. This expressive, medium-bodied effort boasts sweet tannin, luscious fruit, and a nicely textured finish. Moreover, this up and coming St.-Emilion still sells for a reasonable price. In an effort to improve the quality at this estate, proprietor Philippe Casteja has instituted a more severe selection process in the vineyard as well as the cellars. 

René Gabriel 17, James Suckling 94

Complex aromas of dark and dried fruits, plums and dried meat. Full body with a dense palate and refined tannins. Decadent but fresh: a beautiful contrast. One of the best ever from Trotte Vieille. Decant at least three hours in advance.

Jancis Robinson 16,5

Magnum. Lots of fine grainy sediment. Rather suave nose with marked acidity but a good charge of ripe, well-balanced fruit and a suggestion of balsam. Really needs food – the roast beef is on its way. I expect it to flower a bit in the glass. Savoury and well intentioned.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator 90

This has a ripe, succulent feel, with friendly plum cake and blackberry paste flavors forming the core, backed by judicious singed vanilla and cocoa notes. A subtle licorice root hint gives the finish a twinge, though this is open and ready to go overall.–Blind 2000 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2015).

Robert M. Parker, Jr. 90

This is the finest Trotte Vieille proprietor Philippe Casteja has yet produced. Over the last few years, Casteja has been making strong efforts to improve the quality of not only Trottevielle, but also his other estates, particularly Batailley in Pauillac and Domaine l’Eglise in Pomerol. The elegant, concentrated 2000 Trotte Vielle displays a dense ruby/purple color in addition to subtle notions of sweet new oak intermixed with cassis, black cherry liqueur, and licorice. In the mouth, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with beautifully integrated acidity and tannin. A blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 47% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Undoubtedly, the superlative quality of Cabernet Franc in 2000 has given this offering more complexity. Kudos to Monsieur Casteja. 

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker

This well-made St.-Emilion offers up aromas of melted chocolate, toasty new oak, black cherries, licorice, and strawberries. The wine is medium-bodied, pure, well-balanced, and finely-etched. It possesses sweet tannin, adequate acidity, and a moderately long finish.

Jancis Robinson

Veggy-scented. Quite interesting. Then a certain sweet, simple, treacly character. Loose. Could try harder!

James Molesworth Wine Spectator

A little thin now, but some attractive, sweet tobacco, orange peel and milk chocolate aromas. Medium-bodied, with dusty tannins and a light finish. Slightly tart.—’88/’98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008).

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker

Dense ruby/purple-colored with copious quantities of toasty new oak, cherry liqueur, licorice, and smoke in its aromas and flavors, this medium-bodied, moderately tannic, charming 1998 requires cellaring.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator

Attractive plum and fresh mushroom aromas. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a light, fruity finish.

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker

The well-made, deep ruby-colored wine offers aromas of smoky new oak intertwined with licorice and black raspberry fruit. The wine displays a lovely texture, low acidity, and a fleshy, easy to understand finish. 

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker

Impressive before bottling, the 1996 Trotte Vieille is now undergoing malolactic fermentation in barrel, which has resulted in a wine with a creamier texture, and better integration of new oak. This wine possesses a dark ruby/purple color, as well as an attractive nose of sweet black fruits and vanillin. There is admirable expansiveness, texture, and flavor, sweet black cherry and currant fruit, spicy oak, medium body, and soft tannin – especially for a 1996.

Jancis Robinson 16,5

Round, juicy, sweet and drinking well now with no awkward tannins.

James Molesworth Wine Spectator

Fresh and easy to drink now, with blackberry and milk chocolate aromas and flavors, medium body, a soft texture.

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker

The dark ruby-colored 1995 Trotte Vieille offers an elegant, sweet, toasty, jammy black-cherry nose reminiscent of the Merlot-dominated Magdelaine. Somewhat commercially-styled, the wine is lavishly-oaked, well-made, medium-bodied, and potentially long-lived. 

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker

Trotte Vieille’s 1994 possesses one of the most saturated colors of all the St.-Emilion premier grand crus, which in general exhibit far less color extraction and ripeness than the better grand cru classes. This wine reveals significant new oak, medium body, ripe fruit, low acidity, and high tannin in the finish. If the component parts come together over the next few years, this may turn out to be an exceptional wine.

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker

Better than many of the disappointing St.-Emilion premier grand cru classes, the 1993 Trotte Vieille exhibits a medium ruby color, sweet, cherry fruit, a touch of herbes de Provence, an austere palate, and more definition, fat, and ripeness than its peer group. 

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker

The 1990 is at least very good. A backward, oaky, tannic wine in need of some bottle age, this full-bodied St.-Emilion exhibits plenty of power and guts. 

James Molesworth Wine Spectator

A wine of wonderful fruit but a slightly odd, earthy character; still delicious. Medium-ruby color and a garnet tint. Very ripe fruit, presenting funky barrel aromas that verge on mushroom. Full-bodied, with full, velvety tannins. Long, sweet fruit finish.–1989 Bordeaux horizontal.

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker 90

The 1989 is an immensely impressive wine, exhibiting an opaque black color, and a sensational bouquet of licorice, chocolate, and super-ripe plums. In the mouth, the wine displays immense size, enormous concentration, a tremendous level of tannins, and an intense, alcoholic, long, opulent, low acid finish.

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker

The 1988 Trotte Vieille is a very good, but tannic, backward style of wine that needs 5-6 years in the bottle to shed its toughness. There is plenty of ripe, extracted fruit, the color is dark ruby, and there is a feeling of weight and length, but the tannins dominate the wine. 

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker

One of the better efforts for a well-known St.-Emilion estate, the 1987 has an herbaceous, spicy, blackberry-scented nose, soft, oaky, ripe flavors, and a smooth texture with some surprising power. 

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker

The 1986 Trotte Vieille has a deep ruby color, and a relatively well-developed and forward, big, plummy, herbaceous bouquet that displays a considerable measure of smoky oak. On the palate, the wine is tannic, oaky, full bodied, and concentrated. One might ask for a bit more complexity from one of the very top vineyards in St.-Emilion.

Robert M. Parker, Jr. Robert Parker

The 1985 displays very ripe berry aromas, some evidence of new oak, a sweet, supple, round, and generous texture, medium to full body, and soft tannins in the finish.