The 2016 Trotanoy offers black cherry, raspberry and rose petal scents on the nose, developing more red fruit and touches of brown spice. This is a mercurial bouquet, very involving, and I wish I could have spent longer with it! The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity, tightening up toward a structured finish that is clearly built for long-term cellaring. Good potential, but this needs serious time. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. August 2020

Composed of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Trotanoy is characteristically a little closed at this youthful stage, slowly unfurling to reveal compelling notions of chocolate-covered cherries, black raspberries and mulberries with touches of pencil lead, crushed rocks, underbrush and chargrill plus a fragrant waft of star anise. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and invigorating freshness supporting the densely packed, muscular fruits, finishing very long and mineral laced. November 2018

There’s decadence and complexity to this young wine, which offers spellbinding dark fruit. But there are also wild mushrooms, sandalwood, blackberries and violets on the nose, not to mention black olives. Full bodied, very deep and layered. Powerful finish. Drink after 2025. Dezember 2019