This is phenomenal. Greatest wine from here. Such class and power. It starts off slowly and then goes on for minutes. Full body. Yet racy. The new 1961Trotte.

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.

The freshness and bright profile stand out, with red currant, pomegranate and blood orange notes that are atypical for the vintage. Pretty savory and floral details fill in and the finish has a fine chalky spine. Shows very little extraction.

49% 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.
Drink 2025-2037

49% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. According to M Castéja, more Cabernet than any other St-Émilion. Deepish crimson. Lifted dark-red fruit, the Cabernet Franc adding its lovely scent, then more austere on the palate than I expected, though only relative to the vintage. Chocolatey tannins in both flavour and texture. (JH)