The 2018 TrotteVieille is a super-intriguing wine. Aromatically deep and layered, the 2018 offers tremendous depth and textural finesse. Mocha, grilled herbs, black cherry, new leather and spice all wrap around the palate in a dense, racy Saint-Émilion. The blend is 54% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2018 TrotteVieille comes across just a tad overripe on the nose with high-toned blueberry and cassis fruit that needs to develop more delineation. The palate is powerful and very ripe, certainly opulent for TrotteVieille with a lacquer of quality new oak on the finish. This is a bold and very dense Saint-Émilion that needs to manifest a little more charm and personality once in bottle.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Trotte Vieille opens with alluring scents of kirsch, baked plums and wild blueberries, plus hints of red roses, dark chocolate, tapenade and fertile loam. The medium to full-bodied palate has ripe, rounded tannins and lovely freshness supporting the juicy red and black fruits, finishing long with great purity.

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. (JH)

54% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep ruby. Classic meaty nose from the oak regime implemented here, alongside a hint of morello cherry. Plump and round on the palate, this soft and succulent wine has good middle fruit. However, that oak is still strongly evident throughout, so it will only appeal to those who like this house style. (TP)

Tasted blind. Meaty nose and then quite soft fruit. Not that concentrated. Pleasant rather than dramatic. Harmonious. Cool. Just slightly inky in texture – but long. (JR)