Château Trotte Vieille 2025

Softly fragrant, dark fruit and heady, exotic sweet spices – cinnamon, cedar, clove. Bright acidity makes the first mark, mouthwatering with such smooth, silky tannins with a slight crisp, crunchy aspect to the red fruit. Still a little marked by the wood at this point – more streamlined than TrotteVieille can be – more delicate in terms of texture and impact but still with concentration and fruit. I like the friendliness, great balance and still lots going on. Grippy, dark, spiced tannin impression on the finish. Refined and ageing should add more flesh and density on the mid palate. Ageing 100% new oak.

The depth of the bouquet can be summed up by the way it clearly reveals itself gradually, broadening its range minute after minute. Notes of rose and violet petals underscore the freshness; a chalky edge expresses the terroir; then ripe black-berry notes and a hint of toastiness convey the sunny character of the vintage. In the end, harmony is what stands out. The silky, generous attack opens onto a straight, linear wine driven by powerful tannins. These do not deliver themselves all at once: they build in intensity as they travel across the palate, carefully linking up with the tonic, energising side of the acidity. Harmony is what takes centre stage, but it shares the spotlight with power, then with the acidic framework and the freshness that comes with it… so, in truth, everyone takes centre stage. All the more enjoyable as the freshness refuses to be intimidated: it calmly takes its place within this power, bringing a welcome balance to a vivid, vigorous overall impression. It must be said it has convincing arguments: brightness, a high-definition feel, and an exceptional aromatic breadth. A tonic, mouth-watering, vibrant and persistent wine. Once again, a very great success for Trotte-Vieille. It is captivating and exhilarating, led by freshness and energy, with subtlety as its driving force.