Like Certan de May, this has a beguiling nose, though more broody and backward. Blackberry, earthy and a touch of green pepper. The palate is well defined, very concentrated with a fresh, harmonious quality. Masculine, intellectual. I have not tasted many recent vintages of Trotanoy, but if they are as good as this, I must rectify that immediately. A great wine. Tasted April 2005.

Aromas of crushed fruit and flowers, with hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit, ultrafine tannins and light toasty oak. Best after 2012. 2,000 cases made.

Medium bodied, with more easy drinking charm than weight or density. Freshness combined with elegance, plums earth and truffle. Another year or two might add a bit more depth, but this is a good, rather than great vintage here. Tasted March 2017

Deep medium red. Impressively primary aromas of cherry, mocha and sappy minerality. Juicy, spicy and firmly built if a bit youthfully medicinal, with a strong backbone supporting the flavors of red berries, spices and iron. A seriously structured, firmly tannic 2004 that will need at least four or five years of patience. Not particularly showy today, but opened out nicely with aeration, suggesting that time will bring a higher rating.

While muscular, hard tannins are cause for concern, the structured, broodingly backward 2004 Trotanoy possesses plenty of meaty black cherry, forest floor, and damp earth characteristics. If everything comes together, it may merit an outstanding score, but at present, the sharpness/astringency of the tannin is troubling. Patience will definitely be required.. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.